Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

A rewarding frontline opportunity supporting people at high risk of domestic abuse across the Black Country. Candidates need an IDVA qualification and/or direct experience in domestic or sexual violence; training may be provided for the right candidate.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Domestic Abuse Advisor, Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor, Domestic Abuse Advocate, Domestic Violence Advocate, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Community Domestic Abuse Worker, Domestic Abuse Practitioner, Domestic Abuse Caseworker

The benefits package includes 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, a wellbeing day (pro rata), 5% employer pension contribution and an Employee Assistance Programme.

SALARY: £25,282 to £28,861 per annum (dependent upon qualifications and experience) + Benefits

LOCATION: This role will cover Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley areas (primary location to be confirmed)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Some work outside normal office hours may be required.

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

JOB OVERVIEW

This is a meaningful opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to help people at high risk of domestic abuse achieve greater safety and control through trauma-informed community support.

The Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will manage casework, assess risk and safety needs, and advocate across multi-agency networks, courts and safeguarding forums.

Working with partner agencies, the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will help coordinate tailored support and also provide one-to-one and group support that empowers people to regain control.

DUTIES

Your duties as the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) include:

• Risk Assessment and Safety Planning: Assess needs, prioritise high-risk cases and develop tailored safety plans
• Crisis Intervention and Casework: Provide person-centred support, advice, information and advocacy
• Referrals and Support Access: Take referrals, assess information and connect people with appropriate services
• Multi-Agency Advocacy: Work with partner agencies and represent service users at safeguarding meetings and forums
• MARAC Reporting and Representation: Prepare reports for MARAC and other safeguarding forums and present cases when required
• Court and Legal Support: Support service users through court processes and explain housing, legal and welfare options
• One-to-One and Group Support: Help people understand domestic abuse and regain control of their lives
• Safeguarding and Records: Escalate safeguarding concerns promptly and maintain accurate, up-to-date case records

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. The post holder must be female
• IDVA qualification and/or direct experience of working in domestic or sexual violence
• Relevant Level 3 qualification or training, such as health and social care, or equivalent
• Experience supporting vulnerable adults and children, including safeguarding
• Experience managing complex casework, risk and needs assessments, support planning, referrals and crisis intervention
• Experience advocating in multi-agency settings and preparing accurate reports for formal forums such as MARAC
• Knowledge of domestic abuse dynamics, risk assessment, safety planning, trauma-informed approaches and safeguarding
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, civil and criminal justice remedies, homelessness, immigration and cultural diversity
• Strong communication, advocacy, organisation, caseload-management and digital skills
• Eligible to work in the UK

DESIRABLE

• Experience facilitating group work
• Experience supporting staff, students or volunteers
• Experience working within formal contracting and performance-target environments
• Knowledge of public funds and relevant entitlements, plus understanding of motivational interviewing
• Current driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Willingness to work evenings or weekends when required

BENEFITS

• Mileage allowance
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group clinical supervision with a BACP-trained counsellor
• 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with opportunities for extension after service milestones
• 1 wellbeing day (pro rata)
• Annual leave buy-back scheme Bi-annual staff away days and regular internal newsletter
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) when overtime is required
• 5% employer contribution to pension

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check

APPLY TODAY…

By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P15305

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