Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

4Recruitment Services Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

4Recruitment Services Ltd is seeking an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our client in Bootle, Merseyside. The role focuses on frontline support for high-risk victims of domestic abuse within a multi-agency MARAC framework.

You will assess risks, develop safety plans, and advocate to ensure access to housing, legal options, and essential services, while addressing barriers faced by victims and their children.

Qualifications

• IDVA qualification or related domestic abuse qualification.
• Full UK driving license and access to your own transport.
• Enhanced DBS certificate.
• Knowledge of domestic abuse legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
• Understanding trauma-informed practice and intersectional needs of victims.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline crisis intervention and advocacy to high-risk victims of domestic abuse.
• Identify and assess risks using evidence-based checklists (e.g., DASH).
• Offer tailored safety plans and coordinate with partner agencies.
• Advocate to help clients access housing, legal, and support services.
• Support victims through the Criminal Justice System and MARAC processes.
• Address barriers and empower victims to regain control of their lives.

Skills

IDVA qualification

Advocacy

Risk assessment

Trauma-informed care

Safeguarding

Education

IDVA / domestic abuse qualification

Tools

DASH risk assessment

Job description

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

Job Purpose:

To provide a high quality frontline service to high risk victims of domestic abuse to help keep them safe and to advocate on their behalf. To work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide pro-active short to medium term crisis intervention support and advice to victims of domestic abuse to help keep them and their children safe.
• Identify and assess the risks and needs of service users using an evidence based risk identification checklist.
• Follow procedures to ensure service users are offered appropriate support according to risk level and their individual needs, and where necessary forward referrals on to other appropriate services.
• Undertake safety planning with service users, and where appropriate work with other agencies to put these plans into place.
• Develop individual safety and support plans to meet the individual risks and needs identified for each service user.
• Advocate on behalf of service users to help them access the services they need and are entitled to and to help keep them and their children safe.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of service users who may face additional barriers to accessing support.
• To support the empowerment of victims/survivors, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives.
• Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to service users and empower them to make their own choices.
• Support service users through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system.
• Refer service users who meet the criteria on to MARAC, participate in the MARAC framework, complete MARAC updates, attend and participate in meetings, and follow-up on actions agreed.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• IDVA or a related domestic abuse qualification
• Full UK driving license and access to own transport for business use.
• 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 trauma-informed practice and the intersectional needs of victims
• Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.