Cultural Specialist IDVA - Essex

Morgan Hunt UK Limited; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Cultural Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) based in Essex. The role offers mostly remote work with occasional travel, providing specialized support to domestic abuse survivors from Global Majority backgrounds. Candidates should have experience in domestic abuse advocacy and strong cross-cultural communication skills. An IDVA qualification is preferred, alongside fluency in another language.

Qualifications

• Experience identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Experience working collaboratively in multi-agency environments.
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise in fast-paced settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, holistic support to Global Majority survivors of domestic abuse.
• Coordinate safety plans that reflect changing risks faced by survivors.
• Advocate for survivors across housing, legal and social care.

Skills

Experience supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse

Strong understanding of issues impacting Global Majority communities

Ability to risk-assess domestic abuse cases using DASH tools

High-level cross-cultural communication skills

Strong IT, numeracy and literacy skills

Fluency in at least one additional language

Education

A good standard of education

An IDVA qualification (CAADA/SafeLives), DAPA, or related qualification

Job description

Cultural Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Location: Essex - Mostly remote work with some travel required around the Essex area
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: 2-3 month temporary role with potential to extend
Salary: £15-20 per hour

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and culturally competent Cultural Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to provide specialist, community-based support to individuals from Global Majority backgrounds who are experiencing domestic abuse.

This role focuses on supporting survivors who may face additional barriers such as so-called honour-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, insecure immigration status, and limited access to mainstream services. You will work across South and West Essex and Thurrock, collaborating with community partners, statutory services and specialist agencies to ensure survivors receive the support, safety and advocacy they need.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, holistic support to Global Majority survivors of domestic abuse.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns for adults, children and young people.
• Conduct DASH risk assessments (including S-DASH and H-DASH) and refer high-risk cases to MARAC.
• Create agile safety plans that reflect the changing risks faced by survivors.
• Advocate for survivors across housing, legal remedies, immigration, health, and social care.
• Support survivors through court processes and statutory appointments.
• Deliver awareness sessions, community outreach and training to professionals.
• Build relationships with community groups and identify barriers preventing access to support.
• Maintain accurate case records, monitor outcomes and contribute to quality standards.
• Participate in on-call rota duties when required.
• Promote inclusive, anti-oppressive and culturally responsive practice at all levels.

About You

You will be someone who is deeply committed to supporting those experiencing domestic abuse, with an empathetic, proactive and survivor-focused approach. You will be confident working within diverse communities and have the ability to build trust with survivors who may be facing multiple, complex challenges.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse.
• Strong understanding of issues impacting Global Majority communities.
• Experience identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Ability to risk-assess domestic abuse cases using DASH tools.
• High-level cross-cultural communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively in multi-agency environments.
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise in fast-paced settings.
• Strong IT, numeracy and literacy skills.
• Ability to travel independently across the region
• Fluency in at least one additional language.

Qualifications

• A good standard of education (essential).
• An IDVA qualification (CAADA/SafeLives), DAPA, or related social care/housing/counselling qualification (desirable but strongly preferred).
• Bengali Speaking (desirable but strongly preferred)
• Car and Drivers Licence (Required)

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment Business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to temporary vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer, job suitability are assessed on merit in accordance with their skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.