Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Victim Support; Shefford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national charity supporting victims is seeking an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to provide crucial support to domestic abuse victims in Central Bedfordshire. This full-time role offers hybrid working arrangements. Ideal candidates will have experience in domestic abuse advocacy, strong prioritization skills, and relevant qualifications. This position helps make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by crime.

Benefits

Flexible working options including hybrid working

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Enhanced sick pay allowances

Access to EDI networks and wellbeing support

Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working in domestic abuse support settings preferred.
• Excellent prioritization skills to manage competing demands.
• Ideally hold relevant qualifications related to domestic violence.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy and support services to domestic abuse victims.
• Manage caseload and safety planning for clients.
• Collaborate with agencies for coordinated service delivery.

Skills

Experience in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse

Ability to prioritize work

Understanding of organization interests and values

Education

SafeLives IDVA accreditation or relevant degree

Vocational qualification in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Victim Support is recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to be co-located within Central Bedfordshire Council. This is a full time role on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2027, subject to year on year funding. Hybrid working would be available for this role. We are looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA). This is a full time role on fixed term contract. Hybrid working would be available for this role. The aim of this role is to support victims of domestic abuse who live in Central Bedfordshire. This role will be part of our other wider specialist services covering Bedfordshire.

Responsibilities

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training.
• Supporting the Daily Domestic Abuse meeting in the IFD (Integrated Front Door), which discusses all medium/standard risk referrals that have come in over the previous 24 hours and agrees on the most appropriate source of advice and support for the family.
• Attending the BRiF meetings weekly where community partners bring concerns about families they are working with including concerns about standard/medium domestic abuse.
• Professional point of contact for the IFD and Adult Safeguarding teams (also based at Priory House).
• Point of contact for any concerns staff have about their own relationships and dynamics of domestic abuse they need support with.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous.
• Ability to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victims/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

About Victim Support

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required. Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need. As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role. If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we\'ll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

Benefits

• 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