Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust; Burnley; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Burnley seeks a Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to support victims of domestic abuse, conduct risk assessments, and advocate with partner agencies. The ideal candidate will hold a recognized IDVA qualification, have strong communication skills, and at least two years of experience in a similar role. Join us in making a difference in our community while working with a dedicated Safeguarding Team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a qualified IDVA or extensive experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge of domestic abuse services and multi-agency collaboration.
• Ability to carry out risk assessments and safety planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to domestic abuse victims identified by the hospital.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop safety plans.
• Advocate for victims with relevant agencies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Experience of partnership working

Ability to make decisions in complex situations

Proactive crisis intervention

Education

Recognised formal IDVA qualification

Job description

Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

As a Health/ Hospital IDVA you will provide a domestic abuse service to victims who have been identified via the hospital and NHS employees. Initially the role will include guiding and supporting health professionals at the hospital on the identification and referral route in the service. Your role will also focus on embedding routine enquiry in domestic abuse by working alongside health professionals; and from there in you will directly support any victims who are identified whilst in the care of ELHT services. You will undertake and regularly review risk assessments, develop safety and support plans and assist victims with signposting into other relevant support services. The role will also have a key relationship and be part of the ELHT Safeguarding Team. You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi‑agency relationships, attending MARRAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety, confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safety and which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

Please see job description attached, which outlines the main duties of this role. If you have any queries about this please do not hesitate to contact us.

About us

At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work. We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to work as a key member of the Hospital Safeguarding Team, with additional professional support from local specialist Domestic Abuse Services. You will hold a recognised formal IDVA qualification or have an extensive portfolio working as an IDVA. This must be evidenced within your application. Experience of working as a Hospital IDVA is desirable, and knowledge and understanding of the role is essential. You must be confident in your role, and able to make decisions about complex situations. You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi‑agency relationships, attending MARAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety, confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safety and which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims identified through hospital services using an evidence‑based risk identification checklist. Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro‑active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support. Liaise with local Domestic Abuse providers for their provision of continued support in line with initial safety plans following discharge from hospital. Accept joint working arrangements with local Domestic Abuse providers for individuals who may benefit from support from the hospital IDVA whilst under the care of ELHT.

Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:

1. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non‑statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them.
2. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance.
3. Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC.

Manage a case load for an agreed timeframe ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives. Understand multi‑agency partnership structures and work within a multi‑agency setting which will include preparation and participation at the MARAC. You will contribute interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining an independent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response. Be proactive with your designated line manager / professional lead in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk and abuse. Access supervision from other Domestic Abuse providers in relation to the specialist role and caseload. Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse. Provide training to identified health service staff and raise awareness of domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour based violence, etc. with staff across the hospital sites. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all. To participate in policy development and the implementation of routine enquiry across more services within ELHT. To carry out any other duties as requested which are commensurate with business service delivery.

Shortlisting pack

CLINICAL

Contribute to a safe working environment for patients and staff and ensure that patient dignity is not compromised. Attend meetings as required with the clinical teams.

COMMUNICATION

Use range of communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, staff and families. With support, communicate sensitive and distressing information to those who are experiencing domestic abuse, and the clinical teams caring for them as appropriate. Participate in multi‑disciplinary case conferences and multi‑agency conferences as required. Ensure effective communication in demanding and challenging situations, with support from senior staff within the safeguarding team or clinical teams. Participate in meetings to share ideas and exchange information. Ensure clear concise documentation is adhered to in line with Trusts Policy.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Maintain an up‑to‑date professional portfolio. Take personal responsibility for own development and keep up to date with evidence‑based practice and research. Participate in supervision in accordance with guidelines. Participate in annual appraisal as an appraisee. Ensure you are up to date with core mandatory training. Assist in undertaking clinical audit and peer reviews to contribute to practice development and quality improvements. Regularly gain feedback from users, to inform developments in the service.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure that appropriate resources are available at all times. Ensure the safe use and maintenance of equipment. To ensure that patient outcomes are recorded in a timely way as per Trust policies and processes. Provide quality written reports for patients, parents/carers and other professionals within the Trust processes. To develop resources that could/can be used in the deliverance of services. Keep up to date with relevant legislation and statutory requirements for Domestic Abuse.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To actively liaise with other professionals within the Caldicott data protection and information governance. Develop professionally through self‑development extending own knowledge in line with professional IDVA training standards. Participate in research and learning projects which are relevant to Domestic Abuse. Ensure accurate record keeping as per Trust policy and professional Guidelines on paper and electronic patient records.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience as a qualified IDVA, usually 2 years or extensive portfolio
• Knowledge of the Hospital & community IDVA role
• Experience within a hospital or community IDVA role

Work Skills

• Able to prioritise and plan workload
• Proven ability to plan and comply with procedures
• Ability to use databases effectively

Communication

• Clear and accurate written/verbal communication, including management of databases and systems

Flexibility

• Able to work the hours required by the need of the service.
• Able to adapt to the changing needs of the service.

Personal Skills

• Proven ability to work within a team and also, when required, work independently
• Demonstrate a sympathetic /sensitive approach and to be able to speak effectively to colleagues, staff and patients

Learning Ability

• Actively seeks to develop own skills and knowledge in relation to the role
• Willingness to undertake future study for own professional development and service needs

Other Skills

• Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision
• Able to deal with confidential information in the appropriate manner.

Practical Requirments

• Access to a vehicle/transport for work purposes

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.