At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of domestic abuse through the Family Court process with advocacy and safety planning.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mileage allowance, training opportunities, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and supporting vulnerable adults and children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25282 - 28861 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for a compassionate and organised professional with experience supporting vulnerable adults and children, safeguarding, advocacy, risk assessment and multi‑agency working within domestic abuse or violence against women and girls services.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you:
- Domestic Abuse Support Worker
- IDVA Practitioner
- Safeguarding Advocate
- Court Support Worker
- Family Court IDVA / Specialist Family Court Advocate
- Criminal Justice IDVA
- Specialist Court Advocate
- Mentor Court IDVA
- Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDAA)
- Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
- Senior IDVA / Lead Advocate
- Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner
- Domestic Abuse Lead / Domestic Abuse Liaison
- Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker
SALARY: £25,282 to £28,861 per annum + Benefits
LOCATION: Covering the Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley areas of the Black Country (cases heard in Wolverhampton or Telford Family Court), you will be expected to work from one of the offices in Sandwell, Walsall or Dudley.
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support victim/survivors and their children through the Family Court process across the Black Country and West Midlands. As a Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) you will provide trauma-informed advocacy, safeguarding support, risk assessment and safety planning while working closely with partner agencies, court professionals and multi‑agency teams.
The organisation is looking for a compassionate and resilient Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) with excellent communication, report writing and caseload management skills who can empower victims and promote safe outcomes for families and children.
DUTIES
- Provide Advocacy and Support: Act as the main contact for victim-survivors and their children throughout the Family Court process
- Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify risks using recognised tools and develop effective safety planning strategies
- Prepare Court Reports: Produce detailed, accurate reports outlining the impact of domestic abuse on families and children
- Support Court Attendance: Ensure service users are prepared for hearings and can attend safely with appropriate support
- Deliver Post-Court Support: Provide ongoing safety planning and guidance following court decisions
- Work with Partner Agencies: Collaborate with multi‑agency professionals to ensure coordinated and effective support
- Offer Specialist Advice: Act as a subject matter expert on domestic abuse for court staff and stakeholders
- Maintain Case Records: Ensure accurate, timely documentation and case management in line with safeguarding requirements
- Promote Safeguarding: Follow safeguarding procedures and elevate concerns relating to vulnerable adults and children
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
- Previous experience supporting vulnerable adults and children affected by domestic abuse or violence against women and girls
- Proven experience of safeguarding, crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning
- Experience of working within a multi‑agency environment and advocating on behalf of clients
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presenting information professionally
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and work effectively to deadlines
- Knowledge of domestic abuse, safeguarding legislation and trauma‑informed approaches
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, databases and virtual communication platforms
- Ability to build supportive, professional and non‑judgemental relationships with clients and stakeholders
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 or above or direct experience within domestic abuse services
- Eligible to work in the UK
DESIRABLE
- IDVA qualification or specialist domestic abuse training
- Experience facilitating group work or supporting volunteers and students
- Knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies relating to domestic abuse
- Understanding of motivational interviewing techniques
- Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across the Black Country and Family Court locations
BENEFITS
- Mileage allowance
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to group clinical supervision with a BACP trained counsellor
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing day entitlement
- Annual leave buy back scheme
- Time off in lieu when overtime is required
- 5% employer pension contribution
This role requires a DBS check.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor / IDVA Pathfinder (AWDO-P14761) in West Bromwich) employer: AWD Online
Join a dedicated team as a Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) in the heart of the Black Country, where your compassion and expertise will make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable adults and children. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing, offering generous benefits such as 25 days annual leave, professional development opportunities, and access to clinical supervision, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally. With a focus on collaboration and advocacy, this role provides a unique chance to empower victims and promote safe outcomes within a multi-agency environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advisor / IDVA Pathfinder (AWDO-P14761) in West Bromwich)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the domestic violence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in supporting vulnerable adults and children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, particularly around safeguarding and risk assessment. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advisor / IDVA Pathfinder (AWDO-P14761) in West Bromwich)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the IDVA role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable adults and children, and showcase your skills in safeguarding and advocacy. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We love seeing candidates who can present information professionally!
Demonstrate Your Passion:Let your passion for supporting victims of domestic abuse shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. We’re looking for compassionate individuals who truly care about making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD Online
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of domestic abuse legislation and trauma-informed approaches. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by victim-survivors and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
This role requires a compassionate approach, so think of examples from your past work where you've supported vulnerable individuals. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your empathy and ability to build trusting relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your risk assessment and safety planning skills. Practice articulating your thought process in these situations, demonstrating your ability to think critically and act decisively.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various agencies, be ready to discuss your experience in multi-agency environments. Highlight any successful collaborations and how they benefited the clients you supported.
