Child Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL; Warrington; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Warrington is seeking a Child Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA) to support children aged 6‑11 who have experienced domestic abuse. The ideal candidate will have experience in family support, strong communication skills, and a commitment to trauma-informed practices. This is an exciting opportunity to join the expanding Domestic Abuse Hub and make a positive impact on children's lives in the community.

Benefits

26 days annual holiday

Access to an attractive benefits package

Access to Health & Wellbeing Programme

Qualifications

• Experience working with children aged 6‑11 using a range of direct work tools and approaches.
• Commitment to trauma‑informed practice and child‑centred approaches.
• Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload, providing 1‑2‑1 support mainly from education settings, family hubs, and home visits.
• Deliver awareness sessions to agencies on the impact of domestic abuse on children.
• Work closely with Children's Services and multi‑agency partners to raise awareness.

Skills

Experience supporting families affected by domestic abuse

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Understanding of neuro-diversity

Strong safeguarding knowledge

Job description

Role Overview

This role focuses on supporting children aged 6‑11 who have experienced domestic abuse. You will work directly with children and their non‑abusive parent to deliver trauma‑informed, therapeutic interventions that reflect the child's lived experience and promote healing, safety, and resilience. You will provide awareness sessions to agencies on the impact domestic abuse has on children, their development and learning and promote the CHIDVA support offer. As a CHIDVA, you will manage a caseload, providing 1‑2‑1 support mainly from education settings, family hubs, community settings, and home visits. You will deliver small group programmes, and advocate for the child's voice to be central in decision‑making processes, ensuring their needs are understood and met by professionals across the system. You will work closely with education settings and play a leading role to ensure timely, appropriate support is in place. You will work closely with Children's Services and multi‑agency partners to raise awareness of the impact domestic abuse has on children, support to deliver training, and promote the CHIDVA service offer across Warrington.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience supporting families affected by domestic abuse.
• Knowledge of the impact of domestic abuse on unborn babies, infants, and children.
• Experience working with children aged 6‑11 using a range of direct work tools and approaches.
• Understanding of neuro‑diversity and its influence on children's behaviour and engagement.
• Ability to identify signs of abuse and understand its emotional and developmental impact.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to follow procedures effectively.
• Experience delivering support in both group and individual settings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi‑agency frameworks.
• Strong communication skills and adaptability to engage with children of varying ages and needs.
• A detailed understanding of risk assessment and safety planning principles.
• Commitment to trauma‑informed practice and child‑centred approaches.
• Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.

About the Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen to join Warrington's Domestic Abuse Hub in a new role as a Child Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA). This is an exciting time to join the expanding team and add to the outstanding work the DA Hub deliver across Warrington.

Benefits

• 26 days annual holiday – raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro‑rata)
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme