Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Freeda; Saint Helier; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Freeda is seeking an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) in Jersey to provide frontline support to victims of domestic abuse. You will assess risks, develop safety plans, manage a caseload, and collaborate with police, health and social services to secure safe outcomes for women and children.

The role welcomes candidates with safeguarding experience and the ability to work in a proactive, empathetic and confidential manner within an inclusive organisation.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
• Ability to work with diverse agencies and multi‑agency safeguarding.
• Caseload and crisis management experience.
• Experience delivering training and running support groups.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and legal options for victims.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess risks using an approved evidence-based checklist.
• Provide proactive crisis intervention via safety planning and personal support.
• Manage a caseload as the appointed key worker for clients.
• Support clients to recognise abuse and regain control of their lives.
• Provide 24/7 helpline support in line with service procedures.
• Liaise with police, health, education and other agencies for advocacy and information.
• Attend safeguarding meetings, write reports and refer clients to services.
• Deliver self-development groups for clients and their children.

Skills

Crisis management

Caseload management

Communication skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Training delivery

Boundary setting

Education

5 O Levels/GCSEs including Maths and English

Adult and Children Safeguarding training (SPB – foundation level)

IDVA Qualified

Counselling qualification (Level 2 CPCAB or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Application Deadline:31 October 2026

Department: Residential

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Jersey

Reporting To: Registered Service Manager

Description

Freeda offers a range of services for women and their children suffering from domestic abuse which includes the provision of a 24/7 helpline, safe house as well as the running of an Outreach service, Child & Young People services and a Counselling service.

The purpose of this role is to provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse by offering advice, guidance and emotional support; developing and implementing safety and support plans to reduce risk for women and their families.

This also includes promoting the work of Freeda and raising awareness around the issues of domestic abuse through awareness raising and institutional advocacy in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse.

We welcome applications from qualified IDVAs, as well as candidates with relevant experience in safeguarding, advocacy, social care, housing, mental health, education, or criminal justice who are interested in developing into this specialist role.

We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

The post holder must be female. Schedule 2, Article 4, Part 1, section 2G of the Discrimination (Jersey) Law 2013 applies.

Key Responsibilities

Residential & Outreach Support

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of clients using an approved evidence-based risk identification checklist
• Provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support
• Manage a case load and be the appointed key worker for clients seeking ongoing support, ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs
• Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives
• Provide support in one-to-one meetings or over the phone on the emergency 24/7 helpline
• In accordance with case management procedures, be proactive with your line manager in carrying out periodic case reviews which feed back into action planning to further progress, signpost or close cases
• Liaise and work in partnership with other agencies (e.g. Police, Education, IDVA, GPs, Health Visitors, Social Services etc.) to provide advocacy, emotional and practical support and information in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance. Accompany clients to other agency meetings, where appropriate
• Attend safeguarding meetings, write reports, refer and signpost clients to other support services
• Support the facilitation and delivery of self-development groups for clients and their children
• Raise awareness of domestic abuse by attending community events
• Support the Prevention Team in delivery of educational initiatives in schools, colleges and clubs
• Support and participate in multi-agency led campaigns on domestic abuse

Administration

• Maintain accurate, confidential and up to date case management records on our databases and systems, and contribute to monitoring information for the service
• Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and policies and procedures, and all legislation connected to your work
• Complete and record a minimum of 20 hours continued professional development (CPD) per calendar year in line with guidance
• Remain up to date and compliant with all organisational procedures and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.
• Participate in the induction of new staff and volunteers
• Ensure the safe house remains secure and is only accessed by authorised individuals

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications and Training

• 5 'O' Levels/GCSEs, including Maths and English | Essential
• Adult and Children Safeguarding training (SPB – foundation level at minimum) | Essential
• IDVA Qualified | Essential
• Qualifications in counselling to a minimum Level 2 CPCAB or equivalent experience | Desirable

Knowledge and Understanding Of

• The issues relating to domestic abuse and its impact on adults and children | Essential
• Understand the remits and resources of relevant statutory bodies and voluntary agencies | Desirable
• Multi-agency work in context of safeguarding | Desirable
• Risk Assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children | Essential
• Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice | Essential

Experience of

• Supporting survivors of domestic abuse (adults and/or children) | Essential
• Working in partnership to safeguard others | Essential
• Session planning and delivering training, face to face and online as well as facilitating support groups | Desirable

Skills, Qualities & Abilities

• Working with the principles of equal opportunity and diversity | Essential
• Excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals | Essential
• Have strong crisis management skills, experience of managing caseloads and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations | Essential
• Be compassionate and empathetic with your client’s situation | Essential
• Work flexibly as part of a team and independently | Essential
• Show initiative and be proactive when managing your case load and interacting with your clients, agencies and individuals | Essential
• Ability to maintain professional and personal boundaries | Essential
• Motivate individuals and agencies to move through courses of action and decision making processes | Essential
• Excellent computer literacy skills, including use of all Microsoft Office Suite and databases | Essential