Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Victim Support; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Victim Support as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor in Bristol and make a difference in the lives of male victims of domestic abuse. In this critical role, you will conduct risk assessments, provide tailored support, and help clients navigate the complex systems concerning their safety and rights. Enjoy flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to your professional development. We are looking for a skilled and compassionate advocate ready to empower those in crisis.

Benefits

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Pension with 5% employer contribution

Enhanced sick pay allowances

Access to financial wellbeing hub

Ongoing training & support

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• IDVA qualification or willingness to achieve one needed.
• Good understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims and their children required.
• Experience in managing complex caseloads necessary.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims.
• Provide tailored support and advocacy for high-risk cases.
• Develop individual safety plans for clients.

Skills

Resilience

Adaptability

Customer service

Advocacy

Risk assessment

Education

SafeLives IDVA qualification or equivalent

Job description

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Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, Bristol

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Client:

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

aa4213917ebd

Job Views:

3

Posted:

16.07.2025

Expiry Date:

30.08.2025

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Job Description:

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the Bristol IDVA Service supporting male victims, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you...

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is home based and therefore requires an appropriately confidential home space in which to work.

As an IDVA you will:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a proactive, short to medium term crisis intervention service. Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
• Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe. Develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adult and Children's Boards.
• Provide advocacy, and information to victims including exploration of legal and civil options, housing, health and finance and support clients through the criminal justice system.
• Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
• Participate fully in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference framework.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and contribute to monitoring the service.

You will need:

• A SafeLives (or equivalent) IDVA qualification or the willingness to work towards.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team, sharing, coaching and influencing others.
• A good understanding of domestic abuse including its impact on victims and their children.
• An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management.
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, and be able to prioritise work and deal with competing demands.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.