Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Black Country Women's Aid; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity organization supporting domestic abuse victims is seeking Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) to assist victims during Family Court proceedings. The ideal candidates will manage caseloads, prepare court reports, and provide advocacy. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and relevant qualifications. Two full-time positions and one part-time position are available in the Black Country area, offering a salary range of £24,310.04 - £27,751.55 FTE.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals, particularly victims of domestic abuse.
• Strong understanding of the Family Court process and domestic abuse dynamics.
• Ability to work with partner agencies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support victims/survivors throughout the Family Court process.
• Prepare detailed reports for court related to domestic abuse impacts.
• Provide advice and training to court staff regarding domestic abuse.

Skills

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Case management

Advocacy

Education

Relevant qualifications in social work or related field

Job description

Overview

Black Country Women's Aid (BCWA) is an established charity working across the Black Country and wider West Midlands, providing accommodation and community support services to victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse and human trafficking. Services include advocacy, civil remedies, support in court, individual and group support and access to therapeutic interventions. All services are client and needs-led.

The Service

The Family Court Pathfinder Programme is a new programme in selected Family Courts. Its purpose is to improve the experiences of, and outcomes for, victim/survivors of domestic abuse in the Family Court system. Essential to the work of the Family Court Pathfinder is the Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), who will empower victims/survivors and their children, help them navigate the process with confidence, and secure outcomes that are safe and respectful of their needs as victims of domestic abuse.

Job Role

Job Title: Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Position available: 2 full-time positions (37.5 hours) and 1 part-time position (3 days a week/22.5 hours)

Based across: Black Country

Salary: £24,310.04 - £27,751.55 FTE, £14,586.02 - £16,650.93 pro rata (dependent upon qualifications and experience)

Closing date: 29 October 2025

All interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams

Is this you?

This is a challenging role that requires empathy, compassion, excellent interpersonal and caseload management skills, and confidence working with partner agencies and advocating for clients.

The Role

Pathfinder IDVAs will be the main point of contact and support for victim/survivors and their children in the Family Court process, ensuring that they are well-informed and prepared for proceedings, and that they are well-supported throughout. Pathfinder IDVAs will provide detailed reports for the court to ensure that the impact of domestic abuse on the family as a whole and on the children is fully appreciated and understood. Pathfinder IDVAs will be the subject matter experts for the Court in relation to domestic abuse, and will offer advice and training to court officers and staff to promote a better understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse within the Court setting.

Pathfinder IDVAs will work with people from Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley areas whose cases are being heard in Wolverhampton or Telford Family Court.

If you are self-driven, conscientious, hardworking with lots of ambition, we would love to hear from you.

To be considered for this position, click 'apply' and you will be emailed a link to an application form, job description, and equal ops form, plus details on how to complete your application. CVs will not be accepted.

Important information for all positions

Black Country Women's Aid is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for an enhanced disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.

Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. The post holder must be female.

Employment checks

As a responsible employer, we adhere to safer recruitment practice and all our employees are subject to the following recruitment checks:

• Right to work in the UK
• Under Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act, we ensure that we do not employ anyone illegally. To avoid discrimination, we treat all job applicants equally.
• We ask all candidates selected for interview to bring original documentation to show their Right to Work in the UK. A copy of these will be taken. Once the successful candidate is appointed, the unsuccessful candidate's documents will be destroyed confidentially. You may be refused an interview if you do not bring the correct documents with you.

References

Following your interview, two employment references will be sought. One of these should be your current or most recent employer. If you have finished full-time education and you have no employer reference, we will accept a reference from:

• a professional from your centre of study (e.g., teacher, lecturer or headteacher)
• GP or health visitor
• a character reference from a person who knows you
• a civil servant from a government agency
• a bank manager

DBS

All positions are subject to DBS checks at the relevant level.