At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women facing domestic abuse with advocacy and emotional support.
- Company: Join a feminist organisation dedicated to human rights and equality.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, generous leave, professional development, and discounts at retailers.
- Other info: Open to women only; we encourage diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting women and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28737 £ per year.
The AWRC (Asian Women’s Resource Centre) is a feminist organization whose values are founded on commitments to human rights, anti-discrimination and freedom from oppression. We endorse global evidence that violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence is gendered, a cause and consequence of the unequal position of women and girls in society, a violation of human rights, and is entirely preventable.
Hours: 28 hours per week
Location: Hybrid– Hertfordshire (St Albans & Watford)
Salary: £27,000–£28,737 per annum (salary progression in line with AWRC pay scales)
Contract: Fixed Term until 31 March 2029
The Asian Women's Resource Centre (AWRC) is seeking a compassionate and experienced Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) to provide specialist advocacy and support to women experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team delivering trauma-informed, survivor-centred services that empower women to achieve safety, recovery and independence.
About The Role
As an IGVA, you'll manage a diverse caseload of women experiencing varying levels of risk and complexity, providing practical, emotional and advocacy support throughout their journey. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting comprehensive risk and needs assessments.
- Developing personalised safety plans.
- Providing crisis intervention and emotional support.
- Advocating with housing providers, police, health professionals, social care and legal services.
- Supporting women through civil and criminal justice processes.
- Attending MARAC and multi-agency meetings.
- Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development.
- Delivering outreach and promoting awareness of VAWG services within local communities.
Requirements
About You
You’ll have:
- Experience supporting women affected by domestic abuse or gender-based violence.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding and risk management.
- Experience of advocacy and partnership working.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.
- Strong organisational and case management skills.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, anti-oppressive practice and feminist values.
An IDVA/ISVA qualification and the ability to speak Arabic, Hindi, Kashmiri or Urdu would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
At AWRC, you’ll be part of a passionate, supportive, and values-driven team. We offer:
- A hybrid working model (2 days office-based)
- Generous annual leave (25 days + public holidays)
- Access to regular clinical supervision and professional development
- A feminist, intersectional, and inclusive working environment
- Floating days and Birthday Leave
- 1000's of discounts at retailers via reward gateway
It is essential to the development of AWRC’s service delivery that the post holder is able to respond flexibly to changes in the requirements of this post. This job description is therefore a guide and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities the post holder may have over time.
This post is open to women only (Exemption under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010). We particularly welcome applications from Black and minoritized women, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and those with lived experience of the asylum or NRPF system. If you require any reasonable adjustments please get in touch with us.
Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London employer: AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre)
The Asian Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC) is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and advocating for human rights. With a strong commitment to anti-discrimination and survivor-led support, AWRC fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values compassion and professional growth. Located in London, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility while providing meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of BME survivors of domestic abuse.
Contact Details:
AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre).
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre) or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre):Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre)! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWRC (Asian Women's Resource Centre)
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
