Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Sunil Goel & Associates, CAs; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity is seeking a Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to support male victims of domestic abuse. This hybrid role involves assessing risks, developing safety plans, and providing advocacy within the criminal justice system. You will mentor colleagues and ensure high-quality service provision while managing a diverse caseload. Join a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. With flexible working options and a supportive environment, this position offers an opportunity for impactful work and career development.

Benefits

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave

Extra day off for birthday

Pension with 5% employer contribution

Enhanced sick pay

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Ongoing training & support

Qualifications

• IDVA qualification required for supporting male domestic abuse victims.
• Experience in managing complex caseloads and multi-agency frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess risks of male domestic abuse victims.
• Provide advocacy and support in navigating the criminal justice process.

Skills

Risk assessment

Safety planning

Management capability

Multi-agency collaboration

IT proficiency

Education

SafeLives IDVA qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Case Management systems

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the Bristol IDVA Service supporting male victims, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

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

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 & 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:

This role is hybrid between Bridewell Police Station and home (and therefore requires an appropriately confidential home space in which to work), with travel around the locality to meet with service users.

As a Senior IDVA, you will:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of male domestic abuse victims. Assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe, and develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs.
• Support the empowerment of clients, assisting them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse.
• Participate fully in the MARAC framework: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings by being the voice of the client and follow up actions agreed, keeping the client's safety at the forefront.
• Take a lead in setting an example of good working practices and offer mentoring to colleagues. Be the initial contact for colleagues to provide advice and guidance on their casework.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
• Provide effective line management of staff to ensure performance targets and outcomes are met. Monitor and oversee quality of service provision provided by the team, and identify learning and development opportunities. Support performance auditing, interpret data for commissioners and report on this.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and contribute to monitoring the service.

You will need:

• A SafeLives (or equivalent) IDVA qualification.
• Evidence of management capability.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team, sharing, coaching and influencing others.
• An understanding of risk assessment, safety planning, and risk management principles.
• Experience working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
• Experience managing a complex caseload with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands.
• Proficiency in IT applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Case Management systems for record-keeping and performance monitoring.
• Due to travel requirements and location, a driving license and access to a vehicle are considered essential. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please specify this in your application so we can explore alternatives.

Please see the 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 but stronger rights, better support, and greater influence in the Criminal Justice System. Working for VS offers a chance to contribute to meaningful change and high-quality victim services.

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 value diversity and inclusivity, 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 meeting essential criteria.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, or 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 our website's Jobs page, complete the application form, and demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria.

We look forward to your application.

Note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received before the deadline. If you have already started an application, we will contact you regarding any changes to the closing date.