IDVA (Wakefield)

Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd is seeking an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support high-risk survivors in West Yorkshire. You will manage a caseload, provide advocacy, risk management and practical support to help clients access protection and services.

The role involves completing risk assessments, supporting with legal remedies, arranging housing and safety planning, and coordinating with police, social services and other agencies to keep clients safe.

Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse.
• Strong understanding of criminal and civil legal remedies related to domestic abuse.
• Excellent safeguarding and risk assessment knowledge and experience.
• Experience undertaking DASH risk assessments and high‑risk cases.
• Strong communication, advocacy and multi‑agency working skills.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload in challenging circumstances.
• Enhanced DBS issued within last 12 months or DBS Update Service registration.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for high-risk victims and support them through the Criminal Justice System.
• Complete initial and ongoing risk assessments and DASH assessments.
• Develop effective individual support and safety plans.
• Provide clear information on legal rights and options.
• Refer to MARAC, Social Services and other agencies; attend meetings and advocate.
• Support with housing, benefits, mental health, and other needs; assist with applications.
• Help clients leave abusive relationships safely, including emergency accommodation.

Skills

Strong communication

Advocacy

Multi-agency working

Risk assessment

Calm under pressure

Education

Enhanced DBS

Job description

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Location: West Yorkshire

Rate: £17 - £19 per hour, depending on experience

Hours: Full Time

Start: ASAP

Duration: 3 months ongoing

Are you an experienced IDVA passionate about helping survivors of domestic abuse take back control of their lives?

Do you have the knowledge, resilience and determination to advocate for high-risk victims and their children, ensuring their voices are heard and they receive the protection and support they deserve?

Our client is a specialist domestic abuse charity in West Yorkshire, providing vital support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse and their children. They are looking for an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join their team and provide high-quality, trauma-informed support to clients at some of the most challenging points in their lives.

This is a rewarding opportunity to join a dedicated service where your expertise can have a direct and meaningful impact on people's safety and wellbeing.

The Role

As an IDVA, you will manage a caseload of approximately 25-30 high-risk clients, providing expert advocacy, risk management and practical and emotional support.

• Advocate for high-risk victims of domestic violence and support them throughout the Criminal Justice System
• Complete initial assessments, ongoing risk assessments and CAADA DASH RIC assessments
• Develop effective individual support and safety plans
• Provide clients with clear advice and information regarding their legal rights and available options
• Support clients with civil and criminal remedies, including non-molestation orders, prohibited steps orders and DIY injunction applications
• Make referrals to MARAC, Social Services and other relevant agencies, attending meetings and advocating strongly on behalf of clients
• Support clients with a wide range of practical and emotional needs, including housing, benefits, financial difficulties, mental health, substance misuse, NRPF, immigration, child protection, custody and sexual abuse
• Help clients to leave abusive relationships safely, including sourcing emergency accommodation and refuge placements
• Support clients with housing and welfare benefit applications and accompany them to important meetings and appointments
• Arrange pre-trial visits and special measures and help clients navigate the Criminal Justice System
• Build strong, effective partnerships with Police, Social Services, GPs, schools and specialist support organisations
• Ensure clients understand their rights, available options and the support available to them — while ensuring that their voice and choices remain at the centre of the work

What we're looking for

• Proven experience supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse
• A strong understanding of criminal and civil legal remedies relating to domestic abuse
• Excellent safeguarding and risk assessment knowledge and experience
• Experience undertaking DASH risk assessments and working with high‑risk cases
• Strong communication, advocacy and multi‑agency working skills
• The ability to manage a complex caseload while working calmly and effectively in challenging circumstances
• An Enhanced DBS issued within the last 12 months and/or registration on the DBS Update Service

Why apply?

This isn't simply another support role.

As an IDVA, you can be the person who helps a survivor understand their options, navigate an intimidating system, find somewhere safe to live, protect their children and ultimately begin rebuilding their life.

Your knowledge and advocacy could make the difference between someone feeling trapped and someone feeling able to take their next step.

If you're an experienced IDVA looking for a role where your skills genuinely matter, we'd love to hear from you.