Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

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

Job summary

Victim Support seeks an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to join their Domestic Abuse Specialist Service in Brighton. This full-time hybrid role requires supporting survivors of domestic abuse and offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible working, training opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding and diversity.

Benefits

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution

Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments

Ongoing training and opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Experience working with domestic abuse or vulnerable groups.
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Experience delivering training to professionals.

Responsibilities

• Empower survivors by supporting them to understand domestic abuse dynamics.
• Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments.
• Provide safety and support plans, advocacy, and practical support.

Skills

Understanding of issues faced by domestic abuse survivors

Risk assessment

Safety planning

Risk management

Multi-agency collaboration

Relationship-building

Self-awareness

Job description

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (6101) Brighton, England

Salary: GBP26010 - GBP28050 per annum

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the Domestic Abuse Specialist Service. They will support survivors of domestic abuse in partnership with the Sussex High Harm Perpetrator Programme. This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week on a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2026. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement, combining home, office in Brighton, and community locations across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those in need?

Do you have resilience and adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on trauma-informed support and care?

If yes, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer:

At Victim Support, we believe in attracting and retaining the best people, offering a competitive rewards and 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 and options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments
• Discounts on high street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure
• Access to financial wellbeing resources and salary deduction schemes
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans
• Ongoing training and opportunities for career development and progression

About the role:

This hybrid role involves a combination of home, office, and community-based work. You will meet clients at safe locations of their choosing, with travel across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

As an IDVA, you will:

• Empower survivors by supporting them to understand domestic abuse dynamics
• Manage a caseload referred by the High Harm Perpetrator Programme, prioritizing high-risk cases
• Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments
• Provide safety and support plans, advocacy, practical support, and information
• Participate in MARAC meetings, acting as the survivor's voice and implementing actions
• Adopt a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach
• Attend the High Harm Panel and other mandatory conferences, sharing relevant survivor information to reduce risk
• Assist in delivering training and providing consultancy to other agencies

You will need:

• An understanding of issues faced by domestic abuse survivors
• Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning, and risk management
• Understanding of safeguarding and legal responsibilities
• Experience working with domestic abuse or vulnerable groups
• Experience in multi-agency collaboration and relationship-building
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize tasks
• Capability to develop individualized safety plans and knowledge of risk reduction strategies
• Experience delivering training to professionals
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity
• Self-awareness and strategies for self-care

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity providing specialist services across England and Wales to those affected by crime. We aim for a world with fewer victims but stronger rights, better support, and greater influence in the Criminal Justice System. We are committed to safeguarding, diversity, and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from minority communities and disabled candidates.

If you have a disability or health condition affecting your performance, we can make reasonable adjustments during the application process.

How to apply:

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

We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. If you have already started an application, you'll be contacted regarding any changes to the closing date.