Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

One YMCA; Bedford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to support victims of domestic abuse. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, providing tailored support, and advocating for clients with external agencies. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and relevant qualifications in domestic abuse support.

Benefits

Health Cash Plan

EAP & Doctorline

Rewards & Discounts

Birthday and Wellbeing day off

Career Pathway

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic abuse and relevant legislation.
• Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessments and develop safety and support plans with clients.
• Provide tailored support via telephone or face to face.
• Advocate for clients with external agencies.

Skills

Excellent communication

Advocacy

Problem-solving

Education

A level, NVQ3 or equivalent, degree, or SafeLives IDVA qualification

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting victims of domestic abuse and making a real difference in their lives? Join our hardworking and dedicated team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessment and complete individualized safety and support plans with clients.
• Provide support tailored to the needs of your clients either by telephone or face to face.
• Advocate for clients with external agencies such as legal services, housing, and the courts.
• Co‑facilitate wellbeing and domestic abuse awareness groups.

Travel across Bedfordshire is required. We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK and reside in the UK for the duration of your employment, providing Right to Work evidence. A Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure may be required once a conditional offer is made.

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of an A level, NVQ3, or equivalent, a degree, or a SafeLives IDVA qualification.
• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic abuse, its impact, and relevant legislation.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

Previous Applications: If you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has further developed before reapplying.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

About Us

One YMCA and its subsidiaries – the Early Childhood Partnership (ECP) and Signpost – are on an exciting journey to double our impact by 2025. We deliver a vast array of services across Herts, Beds, and Bucks, reaching over 135,000 individuals annually.

Services Across Our Organisation

• Provision of over 700 units of accommodation for homeless people.
• Move‑on accommodation for individuals moving onto independent living.
• Housing and practical/emotional support for young asylum seekers.
• Community hubs hosting a range of activities and meeting space hire.
• Childcare provision in Hertfordshire.
• Family support through a network of children’s and family centres covering Hertfordshire and Bedford.
• Therapeutic and non‑therapeutic support for male and female victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• Independent sexual violence services across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Hertfordshire.
• Domestic abuse perpetrator reform programmes across Bedfordshire.
• Youth services offering emotional wellbeing support and youth club opportunities for 11‑19 year olds, alongside our National Airplay programme funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund.
• A community gym where everyone can enjoy the benefits of physical exercise.

Early Childhood Partnership (ECP) Focus

• Child development and school readiness.
• Improved parenting aspirations.
• Self‑esteem and parenting skills.

ECP offers support from our children’s centres and community venues, as well as an outreach service that allows us to meet families in their homes, focusing on perinatal services, children’s activities, and parenting support.

The Benefits

Benefit 4, Benefit 5, Benefit 6.

Our Values

• RESPECT – so everyone can belong.
• COMPASSION – so everyone can contribute.
• GROWTH – so everyone can thrive.

Current Benefits

• Health Cash Plan
  Covers healthcare expenses from optical and dental care to therapy treatments. Shared pot for children included.
• EAP & Doctorline
  Confidential help and advice line (24 hours) on medical, legal, and domestic issues.
• Rewards & Discounts
  Special offers from hundreds of leading online and high street retailers & discounts on gym memberships.
• Birthday and Wellbeing day off
  One day additional leave per year of service, up to 5 days.
• Leave & Support
  Support for child IVF treatment and through challenging times.
• Career Pathway
  Training & Development with a clear pathway for growth.

Hours per week: 37.5

Working Pattern: Monday‑Friday

This is a Full Time role.

Employment Information

• Employment Type: Full Time
• Experience Required: Minimum 1 year in a relevant role.
• Vacancy Count: 1

Equal Opportunities

One YMCA is an inclusive organisation and actively promotes equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.