Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Hillingdon Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Hillingdon Sports & Leisure

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work

Local Government Pension Scheme

Perkbox Benefits

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Travel Support

Trade Union Membership

Job summary

London Borough of Hillingdon requires an experienced IDVA to work in a multi-agency team, advocating for domestic abuse victims and their children, with a focus on high-risk cases requiring immediate risk assessments and safety planning. You will manage a caseload, provide ongoing advocacy, prepare written reports, attend meetings to advocate for victims, and refer clients to appropriate services.

A CAADA/SafelLives IDVA qualification is required, with strong communication skills and

Qualifications

• Recent experience working with high-risk DA victims.
• Understanding the dynamics and impact of DA on victims and children.
• Knowledge of safeguarding options across criminal, civil, housing contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with a multi-agency team to advocate for and support DA victims and children.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety planning at crisis points.
• Manage a caseload and provide ongoing support and advocacy.
• Prepare reports based on risk analysis and case facts.
• Attend meetings to advocate for victims and refer to services.

Skills

DA victim support

High-risk case handling

Multi-agency collaboration

Strong communication

Education

CAADA/SafelLives IDVA qualification

Job description

About the role

This is a challenging and rewarding role where you will:

• Work with a multi-agency team including floating support, the police, social care, housing, and others.
• Advocate for and support domestic abuse (DA) victims (of any gender) and their children, ensuring their safety.
• Handle high-risk DA cases at the point of crisis, conducting risk assessments and safety planning for the victim and any children in the household.
• Manage a caseload, offering ongoing support and advocacy.
• Prepare written and verbal reports based on your analysis of risk and the facts of the case.
• Attend meetings to advocate for victims, support them in court, and refer them to relevant services.

What We Need From You:

• Recent experience working with high-risk DA victims.
• Understanding of the dynamics and impact of DA on victims and children, including complex needs and barriers.
• Good knowledge of criminal, civil, housing, and other practical options for safeguarding victims and children.
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, listening).
• Experience supporting and advocating for DA victims.
• CAADA/Safelives IDVA qualification.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours - We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week - Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement - increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work - Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership - The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees' freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.