Domestic Abuse Advocate

VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East); Sunderland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay award pending NJC scales

Job summary

VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) invites applications for a Domestic Abuse Advocate to support survivors and lead on empowerment, safeguarding and partnership work across the region.

The role involves advising and supporting survivors over the phone and in person, coordinating with local authorities and agencies, and maintaining thorough case records while promoting safety and rights for women and children.

Qualifications

• Experience in advocating for survivors of domestic abuse or similar rolespreferred.
• Strong communication with diverse audiences and external partners.
• Commitment to safeguarding adults and children and upholding confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Complete holistic assessments and support safe decisions for survivors.
• Empower service users to identify goals and access resources.
• Assist with budgeting, finances and benefits support.
• Advocate for women with external agencies and promote social justice.
• Maintain relationships with Local Authorities and partner agencies.
• Support women with NRPF status in navigating legal processes.
• Follow organisational policies and ensure wellbeing of women and children.
• Maintain accurate case notes and records in WWIN system.
• Promote strong internal and external relationships.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation

IT skills

Organisational skills

Time management

Flexibility

Empathy

Diversity & inclusion

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Monitoring & reporting

Confidentiality

Safeguarding

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Full or Part time

Application deadline: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 23:59

Based: Sunderland

Salary: £26,043 to 30,024 Per Annum

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Project Support

• Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1) applies to this post which is only open to female applicants. *

We are seeking a Domestic Abuse Advocate or qualified IDVA to join our team of dedicated professionals whose work has made a life-saving difference for thousands of women, men, and children. If you are friendly, committed, and eager to contribute to meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

This role requires a confident approach to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. You will provide advice and support both over the phone and in person—whether at our offices, in the community, or within our accommodation settings. A key part of the role involves advocating on behalf of survivors and representing their needs when working with partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial and ongoing holistic assessments and make safe decisions in the interests of all survivors of domestic abuse particularly women and children.
• Empower service users to identify and achieve their goals.
• Support with budgeting, finances including benefits, life and parenting skills.
• Advocate for women with external agencies and promote social justice.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with Local Authorities, Children's Social Care and any other relevant voluntary and statutory agencies.
• Support Women with NRPF status (No Recourse to Public Funds) in navigating the legal landscape.
• Adhering to all organisational policy and procedures.
• Ensure that the health, wellbeing and rights of women and children are promoted throughout service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records regarding all service users on WWIN’s client management system following our case management policy.
• Promote strong positive internal and external relations.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation skills.
• Good IT skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Good time management skills.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to clients and working environment.
• An empathic and non-judgemental attitude.
• Ability to effectively work with people regardless of their ethnic, cultural, social backgrounds, their gender, age, religious belief, disability, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to work as part of a team with other staff, volunteers and partner agencies, sharing information and experience.
• Ability to communicate with, and relate to, women from all backgrounds.
• Non-directive, empowering approach to work.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• An understanding of monitoring and reporting, and the importance of accurate and effective case notes.
• A good understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• A commitment to safeguarding adults and children and working within safeguarding procedures.

A pay award is pending for this role in line with NJC scales.