Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified IDVA

The Bridge Project; Bradford; Remote; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days annual leave

5% pension contribution

Learning & development programme

Employee Assistance Programme

Death in service

Refer-a-friend £500

Wellbeing time

Mindfulness activities

Blue Light Card

Job summary

The Bridge Project in Bradford invites applications for a Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified IDVA to join the national Drive Project. This role focuses on survivor-centered advocacy, safety planning and high-risk risk management within a multi‑agency framework.

You will work under supervision, liaise with police, safeguarding and housing partners, and contribute to reducing harm and improving safety for families affected by domestic abuse.

Qualifications

• Experience in domestic abuse response and safeguarding.
• Ability to assess risk and develop survivor-centered safety plans.
• Strong communication and multi-agency collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advocacy, safety planning and risk management for victims linked to Drive cases.
• Work with Drive Case Managers and partner agencies to ensure coordinated response.
• Operate under clinical supervision and maintain survivor safety at the centre of decision-making.
• Contribute to safeguarding and high-risk management within the Drive Programme.

Skills

Assessment

Engagement

Safety planning

Communication

Risk management

Trauma-informed approach

Tools

DBS check

Job description

Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor, Drive Project

Reference: DAS/IDVA/DP/OCT2026

Hours: 37.5 Hours

Salary: £31,790 - Qualified IDVA or £29,000 with IDVA funding - Domestic Abuse Specialist

Team: Drive Project

Responsible To: Service Manager

Closing Date: Monday 2nd November 2026

About the Role

Are you a Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor ready to use your skills where they can have the greatest impact? This is a rare opportunity to join the nationally recognised Drive Project in Bradford, working as part of a coordinated, whole-system response to high-harm domestic abuse. The Drive Project is not a pilot or test programme; it is a well-established national model currently being rolled out across England, reflecting sustained national commitment to reducing risk, strengthening safety, and improving outcomes for victim-survivors, children and families. In Bradford, the service will be delivered by The Bridge Project in partnership with the Drive Central Team and West Yorkshire Combined Authority and will be fully embedded within local safeguarding and partnership arrangements from the outset.

The Drive Project works with individuals who pose the highest risk of causing serious harm within intimate or family relationships. The programme combines intensive individual case management with a coordinated multi-agency response, creating the conditions for accountability, behaviour change and sustained risk reduction, while keeping victim and survivor safety at the centre of all activity.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a purpose-built service, bringing together skilled practitioners across roles to work collectively, safely and effectively to reduce serious harm and increase safety for children and adults. If you are an experienced, values-led practitioner who is ready to make a meaningful difference in Bradford, we would welcome your application.

The team will operate with fidelity to the Drive model, a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework, balancing challenge and accountability with engagement and support. Staff will work closely with a range of systems and services, such as police, probation, children’s and adult safeguarding, housing, health and specialist adult and child domestic abuse services to ensure a coordinated and effective response to high‑risk harm and victim/ survivor safety.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a skilled, values‑driven Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified IDVA committed to reducing harm and improving safety for children and adults affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong assessment, engagement safety planning and communication skills, and the ability to work confidently with complexity, risk. We are seeking an individual who can balance clear boundaries and accountability with empathy, curiosity and respect, and who are able to work reflectively within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework.

You will be comfortable working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team and in close partnership with other agencies, sharing information appropriately and contributing to collective risk management and decision‑making. We are particularly keen to hear from people who value learning, supervision and reflective practice, and who want to help shape and embed a high‑quality service within a well‑established national model.

A driving licence with access to a vehicle and fully comprehensive business insurance is essential for this role. A willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check is also a requirement of the post (the results of which would not necessarily exclude applicants from consideration).

Role Purpose

The Drive Programme is a nationally recognised, evidence‑based intervention that works with individuals who pose the highest risk of causing serious harm in intimate or family relationships. It combines intensive perpetrator case management with a coordinated multi‑agency response, placing victim and survivor safety at the centre of all activity.

The Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified IDVA post holder plays a critical safeguarding role within the Drive Programme. The post holder will work under the direct clinical supervision of the organisations lead IDVA/ISVA and Service Manager for line management supervision and provide specialist, survivor‑centred advocacy, safety planning and risk management for victims and survivors linked to Drive cases, ensuring their voice, safety and wellbeing remain central to system decision‑making.

The Domestic Abuse Specialist or Qualified IDVA works alongside Drive Case Managers, statutory partners and specialist services, while maintaining professional independence and a clear focus on victim safety, choice and empowerment. The role contributes to risk reduction, improved safety outcomes and strengthened multi‑agency responses across Bradford.

Why Work at The Bridge Project?

As well as offering meaningful and rewarding work, The Bridge Project is a well-established Bradford charity with over 40 years’ experience, employing more than 120 staff across the district. We deliver a wide range of integrated services supporting people affected by domestic abuse, substance use, homelessness, mental health challenges, and complex trauma. Our work is rooted in compassion, partnership, and a strong commitment to reducing harm and creating lasting change.

What we’re Offering

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and contribution
• 32 days of annual leave to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside work
• 5% employer pension contribution to support your long-term financial security
• A dedicated Learning & Development programme to help you grow and progress
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential advice whenever you need it
• Death-in-service benefit worth three times your salary for added peace of mind
• Refer‑a‑friend bonus of £500 when you help us bring great people on board
• Two hours of monthly wellbeing time to pause, connect, and reset with your team
• A programme of mindfulness activities to boost focus on overall wellbeing
• Access to a Blue Light Card, giving you discounts across hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and leisure brands.

The Bridge Project is proud to be a Mindful Employer, championing a workplace where wellbeing truly matters.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emma Sirrell, Service Manager on [e-mail].

Please note that we are unable to accept CVs or applications from employment agencies.

Interview date – Monday 9 November 2026

The Bridge Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and to creating safe, inclusive services. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

If applying online, please make a note of this Job Reference

Our mission is to empower people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change