At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse and improve their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Belmont Recruitment, a charity dedicated to empowering survivors in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 24-hour support, and a referral benefit scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and mental health settings required.
Belmont Recruitment are currently looking to speak with experienced Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, for a commmunity based, full-time permanent position that we have, working with a charity within Hampshire.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced domestic abuse professional who also has worked across mental health settings and is passionate about empowering survivors, improving their safety and helping them access the practical, emotional and financial support they need to rebuild their lives.
The Role
- Provide specialist support to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
- Carry out comprehensive risk and needs assessments, personalised safety planning and ongoing risk management.
- Help reduce the health impacts of domestic abuse, prevent escalation, and improve outcomes for survivors while strengthening the overall health and social care response.
- Manage a caseload of high-risk survivors, providing tailored, trauma-informed support and intervention.
- Advise and guide external professionals on domestic abuse, risk indicators, referral pathways and best practice.
- Support survivors to improve their financial security and access employment, education and wider support services.
- Advocate for survivors at multi-agency meetings, including MARAC, and liaise with housing, criminal justice and other relevant services.
- Strengthen referral pathways between mental health and specialist services to ensure timely and appropriate support.
- Full-time position, Monday – Thursday: 9.30am – 5.30pm and Friday: 9.30am – 5.00pm.
Essential Requirements
- Strong understanding of the needs of women, men and children of all ages who have experienced domestic violence and the impact on the survivors and the practical barriers they face.
- Experience undertaking risk assessments, safety planning and risk management.
- Safeguarding Adults Level 2 and / or Safeguarding Children Level 2 or demonstrable equivalent experience or the ability and commitment to achieve qualification within one month of employment.
- Experience of working with clients that have complex needs including mental health.
- Awareness of the legal and housing issues affecting families escaping domestic violence and knowledge of the benefits system.
- Knowledge of options available to survivors, including safe accommodation, criminal justice processes and civil remedies.
- Excellent communication, organisational and crisis management skills, with the ability to manage a busy caseload.
- An understanding and knowledge of child protection and safeguarding and the ability to work within national, local and organisational guidelines
- Full clean driving license and use of your own vehicle.
- Ability to work flexibily and some unsocial hours.
Desirable
- Safe Lives IDVA/ Women’s Aid DAPA Certificate - This is desirable but not essential, so candidates with relevant hands-on experience are encouraged to apply.
- A relevant qualification for supporting people.
- Experience of managing a caseload of victims experiencing domestic abuse.
- A relevant qualification in the field of mental health e. g. Connect 5, Mental Health First Aid
- Ability to develop and promote projects in the community.
- Awareness of the legal and housing issues affecting families escaping domestic violence and knowledge of the benefits system.
You will be a compassionate, proactive and non-judgemental professional with a strong commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and experience of working with clients that have complex needs including mental health.
You will be confident working independently, managing complex cases and building effective partnerships with professionals to improve outcomes for men, women and children.
Pay rate for this role is up to £29,722.63, depending on experience and interview.
Important Information
This role is open to female applicants only, as being female is considered a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010).
Benefits of working with Belmont Recruitment;
- Single point of contact consultant.
- 24h support.
- Regular communication updates.
- Referral Benefit Scheme
Mental Health IDVA in Eastleigh employer: Belmont Recruitment
East Sussex Healthcare is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With opportunities for career progression and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community, working at Conquest Hospital or Eastbourne DGH provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about IT support in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health IDVA in Eastleigh
✨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 Belmont Recruitment.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Belmont Recruitment!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Belmont Recruitment, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨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 Belmont Recruitment 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 Mental Health IDVA in Eastleigh
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 Belmont Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Belmont Recruitment! 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 Belmont Recruitment
✨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.