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- Tasks: Lead a team supporting victims of crime, providing guidance and crisis management.
- Company: Victim Support is a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28+ days leave, birthday off, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: IDVA qualification, experience in multi-agency work, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for ongoing training and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior IDVA to join the Specialist Services team in Bedfordshire, working 30 hours a week. This is a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026. This role will be hybrid and be located within Bedford Borough.
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:
- 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 management responsibilities including Bedford Borough IDVA
You will need:
- A qualification as an IDVA or ISAC
- Experience of developing and maintaining partnerships and pathways within a multi-agency and legislative framework
- Knowledge of legislation relating to equal opportunities and diversity, safeguarding and risk assessments
- Practical understanding of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practice and maintenance of files in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements
- Experience of working in a challenging and changing environment with an emphasis on customer focus and excellence in service delivery
- Demonstrable experience of providing crisis management, support and guidance in sometimes stressful and difficult situations to a team with a client service focus
- Excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals
- Ability to work without direct supervision, prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner
- Gather, analyse and use information and evidence from different sources to solve problems and report on data quality and compliance
- Sound IT expertise with the ability to use a range of software including: Word, Excel and Case Management systems
- Self-aware and committed to own continuous 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.
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 look 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.
Contact Detail:
Victim Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Safe & Together model, as this is a key aspect of the role. Understanding its principles will not only help you in your application but also demonstrate your commitment to effective domestic violence advocacy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of domestic violence support. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Victim Support's values and mission thoroughly. Tailoring your approach to align with their goals will show that you are not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising scenarios related to crisis management and multi-agency collaboration. Being able to articulate your experience in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior IDVA position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in crisis management, multi-agency collaboration, and customer service. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your qualifications as an IDVA or ISAC clearly in your application. If you have additional training or certifications relevant to the role, include those as well to strengthen your candidacy.
Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the hiring team at Victim Support and express your passion for making a difference in the lives of victims. A personal touch can make your application stand out and show your genuine interest in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Show Your Passion for Advocacy
Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting victims of crime. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in this field, as it will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment.
✨Demonstrate Your Crisis Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed crises in the past. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and provide effective support, as this is crucial for the role of a Senior IDVA.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the key legislation related to domestic violence, safeguarding, and data protection. Being able to discuss these topics knowledgeably will show that you are well-prepared and understand the legal framework surrounding the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, challenges they face, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
