At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower survivors of domestic abuse through tailored advice and advocacy.
- Company: Next Link, a leading provider of domestic abuse services in South Gloucestershire.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, health programmes, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in support planning, risk assessment, and understanding of domestic abuse impact.
We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity for a Female* LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team based in South Gloucestershire. You will join us on a Permanent Contract on a part-time basis working 18.75 hours per week (including some evening and weekend working on a rota basis). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 12 £28,598 (unqualified) or Point 15 £30,024 (qualified) per annum pro rata plus benefits.
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. With a focus on survivor's safety and recovery; we believe the provision of flexible support tailored to survivor's needs can be transforming, helping to maximise independence and self-determination so survivors can make informed choices.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
- Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
- 3 extra holidays including International Women's Day
- Excellent development and training opportunities
- Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
- Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Health and Wellbeing programme
About the role: This post will be based within Next Link Domestic abuse services providing outreach, and community-based support to victims of domestic abuse across South Gloucestershire. Working across Next Link with victims whose perpetrators are part of the DRIVE Programme in South Gloucestershire and close partnership working with the Lighthouse, MARAC and the DRIVE Project to provide co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy to female or male survivors of domestic violence and their children. The role involves empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA:
- To establish and maintain support to survivors, with a victim centred approach, focussing on safety and recovery
- Providing support to enable survivors to safely maintain their current accommodation, access welfare benefits, legal advice alternative housing, and support services
- To provide age specific trauma informed one to one and group interventions that enable survivors to build emotional resilience and well-being
- To carry out risk assessments including DASH, co-produce safety plans with the service user regularly review the plans, enabling survivors to assess and manage risk to their own and their children's safety. Amend plans as appropriate when circumstances change and attend the MARAC and refer service users when appropriate.
- Champion service user empowerment and involvement
- To liaise effectively and collaboratively with all appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users
This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.
What we are looking for in our Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA:
- An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on survivors
- Knowledge of the safety options available to people experiencing domestic abuse
- Experience of support planning and risk assessment
- Experience of assessing the risks and needs of vulnerable people who have experienced domestic abuse and/or complex needs
- Experience working with the police, Lighthouse, MASH, Compass, MARAC and DRIVE
- Experience of working within the voluntary and statutory sector with people with learning disabilities
- An understanding of cultural diversity
- To hold IDVA qualification
- A full driving licence and access to transport
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering victims of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us as our Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA and contribute to the valuable work Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
How to apply: Please download the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am on Monday 27th July 2026. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held w/c 27th July and 3rd August 2026.
Female* LGBTQ + IDVA South Glos Service in Bristol employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female* LGBTQ + IDVA South Glos Service in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like All The Top Bananas, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at All The Top Bananas. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at All The Top Bananas. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with All The Top Bananas.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Female* LGBTQ + IDVA South Glos Service at All The Top Bananas.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
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Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show All The Top Bananas that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Female* LGBTQ + IDVA South Glos Service role.
