Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

4Recruitment Services Ltd; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

4Recruitment Services are seeking an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) for our client based in Barnet. The post focuses on providing trauma-informed support to victims at risk and guiding them through the criminal justice system and related services.

The IDVA will assess risk, develop tailored safety plans, advocate across agencies, and contribute to Barnet's Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, with supervision and caseload management as required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Level 3 Accredited Qualification
• Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience
• Enhanced DBS certificate held

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional and practical support to victims of domestic abuse, including safety planning and risk assessment using DASH.
• Develop and implement tailored support plans based on individual needs and risks for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
• Support victims through criminal, civil, and family justice processes, including court attendance and special measures applications.
• Facilitate access to safe accommodation, health services, legal advice, and other relevant support.
• Undertake proactive casework to reduce risk and ensure safety, including community and home visits and outreach with partner agencies.

Skills

DASH risk assessment

Safeguarding frameworks

MARAC liaison

Trauma-informed practice

Education

IDVA Level 3 Accredited Qualification

Tools

Enhanced DBS

Job description

4Recruitment Services are seeking an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) for our client based in Barnet.

Job Purpose:

• To provide high-quality, independent, and trauma-informed support to victims of domestic abuse who are at risk of harm. The IDVA will work across statutory and community settings to ensure victims' safety, advocate for their needs, and support them through the criminal justice system and other relevant services. This post is key to developing Barnet's model of domestic abuse intervention in line with the Council's Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
• To assess need and risk, plan, and deliver focused interventions to safeguard vulnerable adults, children, and families, promoting positive outcomes.
• To contribute to the setup and delivery of a highly effective Barnet Domestic Abuse Support Hub (BDASH), taking responsibility for working and managing a caseload within a framework of appropriate supervision, dependent upon the complexities of the case.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide emotional and practical support to victims of domestic abuse, including safety planning and risk assessment using tools such as DASH.
• Develop and implement tailored support plans based on individual needs and risks for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
• Support victims through criminal, civil, and family justice processes, including court attendance and special measures applications.
• Facilitate access to safe accommodation, health services, legal advice, and other relevant support.
• Undertake proactive casework to reduce risk and ensure safety, including visiting in the community and at home as needed. Engage with multiple-needs victims through assertive outreach and work jointly with partner agencies.
• Assess and balance risk and protective factors within a legislative, theoretical, best practice, and policy framework.
• Communicate effectively with victims, survivors, and their families (where appropriate), ensuring their views are heard and recorded accurately.
• Establish rapport and build respectful, honest, and safe relationships with victims, their families, and perpetrators as needed.
• Undertake risk reduction interventions using a variety of methodologies.
• Apply problem-solving skills within the context of professional relationships with victims and their families (where appropriate).
• Act as a key partner in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC), MAPPA, and other safeguarding forums.
• Liaise with professionals across housing, health, education, police, and social care to ensure coordinated support.
• Ensure assessments include views from other agencies as part of a holistic analysis of needs/risks for victims and perpetrators.
• Attend Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Adult and Families review meetings.
• Act as a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, simplifying communication and reducing re-traumatisation.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Level 3 Accredited Qualification in supporting victims of domestic abuse
• A minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience
• Enhanced DBS

Demonstrable Knowledge of:

• Domestic abuse legislation and safeguarding frameworks (e.g., Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014)
• Civil, family, and criminal justice processes, including protective orders and special measures
• Risk assessment tools such as DASH and safety planning frameworks
• Understanding of tr