Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Victim Support; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Options

Generous Annual Leave

Birthday Leave

Pension Plan

Enhanced Allowances

Exclusive Discounts

Financial Wellbeing

Wellbeing Support

Inclusive Networks

Sustainable Travel

Career Development

Job summary

Victim Support in Bedfordshire is seeking a Senior IDVA to join the Specialist Services team on a fixed term maternity cover until 31 October 2027. The role is hybrid and based with Bedford Borough Council, supporting multi-agency responses and safeguarding work.

You will be responsible for leading delivery, managing a caseload, and acting as a senior point of contact for DA cases, MARAC participation, and staff development within the team.

Qualifications

• IDVA qualification required.
• Experience in multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks.
• Knowledge of equal opportunities, diversity, safeguarding and risk assessments.
• Confidentiality, safe working practices and file maintenance.
• Customer-focused service delivery in challenging environments.
• Crisis management and support experience.
• Strong communication, negotiation and advisory skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks.
• Analytical skills for problem-solving and data reporting.
• Proficiency in IT and software (Word, Excel, Case Management systems).
• Commitment to continuous self-development.

Responsibilities

• Be the consistent representative at the Bedford Borough MARAC.
• Be a SPOC for the Front Door - giving advice and support around queries/ concerns about DA.
• Carry a reduced caseload.
• Support the Safe & Together model.
• Have line management responsibilities including Bedford Borough IDVA.

Skills

Strong communication

Negotiation

Advisory skills

Analytical skills

Independent working

Data reporting

Education

IDVA qualification

Tools

Word

Excel

Case Management systems

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior IDVA to join the Specialist Services team in Bedfordshire. We are looking for a qualified IDVA for this maternity cover role on fixed term contract until 31st October 2027. This role will be hybrid and be located within Bedford Borough Council.

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

Do you have resilience and 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 are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About this role

This role supports the service across Bedford Borough. As a Senior IDVA for the specialist services team you will:

• Be the consistent representative at the Bedford Borough MARAC
• Be a SPOC for the Front Door - giving advice and support around queries/ concerns about DA
• Carry a reduced caseload
• Support the Safe & Together model
• Have line management responsibilities including Bedford Borough IDVA

You will need:

• An IDVA qualification
• Experience in multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks
• Knowledge of equal opportunities, diversity, safeguarding, and risk assessments
• Understanding of confidentiality, safe working practices, and legal file maintenance
• Experience in customer-focused service delivery in challenging environments
• Crisis management and support experience
• Strong communication, negotiation, and advisory skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and manage competing demands
• Analytical skills for problem-solving and data reporting
• Proficiency in IT and software (Word, Excel, Case Management systems)
• Commitment to continuous self-development

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.