Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Victim Support; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in Preston is seeking an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to provide crucial support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse. This role involves safety planning, advocacy, and emotional support, working closely with various agencies. The ideal candidate will have strong crisis management skills and a deep understanding of domestic abuse issues. Flexible working options are available after training, making this a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Benefits

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Extra day off for your Birthday

Pension with 5% employer contribution

Enhanced sick pay allowances

Ongoing training and support

Qualifications

• Understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims.
• Experience managing a complex caseload and prioritizing demands.

Responsibilities

• Providing proactive crisis intervention services through safety planning and advocacy.
• Supporting victims to access services for safety and well-being.

Skills

Crisis Management

Communication

Negotiation

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Case Management systems

Job description

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (5991) City of Preston, England

Salary: GBP26010 - GBP28050 per annum

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
• 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
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based at our office in Preston covering the West Lancashire area. Once you have completed training & probation, you can apply for hybrid working. All travel costs to and from appointments from your office base will be reimbursed.

As an IDVA you will be:

• Focusing on victims at high risk of harm & providing proactive, short to medium-term crisis intervention services through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Supporting victims face-to-face or by telephone to access services to keep themselves & their families safe.
• Developing individual safety plans tailored to clients' needs as identified in the needs & risk assessment.
• Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims, including legal & civil options, housing, health & finance, as well as support through the criminal justice system.
• Participating in multi-agency meetings to represent the client and ensure actions are followed up.

You will need to:

• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse & its impact on victims and their children
• Understand risk assessment, safety planning & risk management for victims and their children
• Have knowledge of safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities surrounding these issues
• Have theoretical, practical, and procedural knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies for victims and their children
• Experience working within a multi-agency and legislative framework
• Experience managing a complex caseload, prioritizing to deal with competing demands
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to handle stressful and difficult situations
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advisory skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in IT applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Case Management systems to maintain accurate records and monitor performance

This role involves regular travel, and a driving license and access to a vehicle are considered essential requirements due to the location.

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

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing specialist services to people affected by crime across England and Wales. We aim for a world with fewer victims who have stronger rights, better support, and influence in the Criminal Justice System. Working for VS offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for those affected by crime and traumatic events.

Victim Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

We are dedicated to diversity and inclusion, striving to create an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. We particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities and are a Disability Confident Employer, offering a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty such as dyslexia, or a medical condition that may affect your performance during the selection process, we are happy to make reasonable adjustments.

How to apply:

To apply, please visit the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable applications prior to the published deadline.