Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Sunil Goel & Associates, CAs; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor at Charing Cross Emergency Department. This full-time role involves working closely with health professionals to provide specialized support for victims of domestic abuse. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible working options and ongoing training. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of domestic abuse and experience in direct service delivery.

Benefits

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Pension with 5% employer contribution

Enhanced sick pay allowances

High Street discounts

Ongoing training & support

Qualifications

• Experience in direct service delivery to victims or vulnerable people.
• Knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse.

Responsibilities

• Implementing effective ways of working with victims to increase safety.
• Providing a high-quality service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Working within a multi-agency framework to keep safety central.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Advocacy

Crisis Management

Education

IDVA Qualification

Job description

We have a unique opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor in a pilot project at Charing Cross Emergency Department. This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week.

Co-locating an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA), a Domestic Abuse (DA) Coordinator, and a violence prevention worker within a health service has never been trialed before anywhere in the UK.

This pilot aims to showcase a gold standard approach to care for families experiencing domestic abuse by:

• Improving recognition and management of victims and perpetrators of DA
• Providing on-site specialized help for victims and perpetrators
• Building sustainable, long-term partnerships with Hammersmith & Fulham council, Standing Together Against Domestic Violence (STADV), and Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP)

What we offer:

At Victim Support, we believe in attracting and 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
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• 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:

You may be a qualified IDVA or a Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker interested in working alongside health professionals in a hospital environment. We will consider applicants from other fields if you can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse.

This role is co-located within Charing Cross Hospital 4 days per week and 1 day per week at our office near Old Street.

Responsibilities include:

• Implementing effective ways of working with victims and supporters to increase safety and reduce harm
• Providing a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, prioritizing according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
• Working within a multi-agency framework, including MARAC and local partnership responses, to keep safety central to all services
• Running group training sessions and sharing your specialist knowledge with hospital staff
• Possessing excellent communication skills, a proactive approach, and the confidence to influence service delivery

Note: The successful applicant will be required to sign an honorary contract with the Hospital Trust in addition to their employment contract.

Candidate requirements:

• Knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse
• Understanding of domestic abuse impacts, risk assessment, safety planning, and legal responsibilities
• Experience in direct service delivery to victims or vulnerable people
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills
• Strong crisis management skills and ability to handle stressful situations

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing specialist services to those affected by crime across England and Wales. We aim for a world with fewer victims but stronger rights, better support, and influence in the Criminal Justice System. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we value diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

How to apply:

To apply, please follow the link on our website's Jobs page and complete the application form, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria. We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable applications. If you have already started an application, we will contact you regarding any changes to the closing date.