Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Victim Support; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Victim Support offers a rewarding opportunity for a Senior IDVA in Bedford, where you will lead the Specialist Services team and support victims of crime. This hybrid role involves handling complex caseloads, collaborating with various stakeholders, and playing a vital part in safeguarding practices while working within an inclusive environment dedicated to supporting individuals affected by crime.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Flexible working options

Enhanced sick pay allowances

Access to financial wellbeing hub

Ongoing training & support

Qualifications

• IDVA or ISAC qualification required.
• Experience in multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Offer leadership as Team Leader for the Specialist Services team.
• Represent at the MARAC meetings twice weekly.
• Support the Safe & Together model.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Crisis management

Customer-focused service delivery

Education

IDVA or ISAC qualification

Tools

Case Management systems

Word

Excel

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior IDVA to join the Specialist Services team in Bedfordshire. This is a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026, which maybe extended subject to funding. 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 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 this role:

This role supports the service across Bedford Borough. As a Team Leader for the Specialist Services team you will:

• Offer a consistent representative for the twice weekly 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 manage responsibilities including Bedford Borough IDVA

You will need:

• IDVA or ISAC 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.

About Us:

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.

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.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We looking forward to hearing from you.

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.