At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-risk victims of domestic abuse with advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: Belmont Recruitment, dedicated to safeguarding and empowering survivors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25730 - 26383 £ per year.
Belmont Recruitment are currently looking for IDVA's (Qualified and Unqualified) for permanent positions working multi-site across Hampshire and Portsmouth. This position is open to female candidates only under schedule 9, part 1 of the equality act 2010 (genuine occupational requirement).
Salary: Qualified - £28,552 per annum / Unqualified - £25,730-£26,383
Hours: 37-37.5h per week (up to 40% hybrid depending on workload)
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Female Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join a specialist domestic abuse service operating across Hampshire and Portsmouth. This is a frontline, community-based role supporting individuals at high risk of domestic abuse and stalking. You will deliver proactive, trauma-informed support focused on safety planning, risk management, and multi-agency working to reduce the risk of serious harm or domestic homicide.
You will work closely with high-risk victims, partner agencies, and statutory services to ensure coordinated safeguarding responses and improved outcomes for survivors and their children.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, frontline advocacy and crisis intervention for high-risk victims of domestic abuse and stalking
- Undertake comprehensive risk assessments and develop robust, individualised safety plans
- Manage a caseload, prioritising high-risk cases
- Support clients to access housing, legal remedies, criminal and civil justice systems, and other specialist services
- Work within multi-agency frameworks including MARAC, HRDA meetings, and Specialist Domestic Violence Courts
- Advocate on behalf of clients with police, housing, social care, health professionals and other agencies
- Support clients attending court and other key appointments where required
- Participate in a 24/7 on-call rota (including emergency refuge admissions and crisis response outside normal hours)
- Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements
- Contribute to partnership working, community awareness, and service development
About You
We are seeking a resilient, compassionate and highly organised professional with a strong commitment to safeguarding and anti-oppressive practice.
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals within a helping environment
- Strong understanding of domestic abuse, safeguarding, and risk management
- Experience working within multi-agency partnerships
- Ability to manage a complex caseload and prioritise effectively
- Excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills
- Strong crisis management abilities
- Commitment to equality, diversity and empowering survivors
- Clean driving licence and access to a vehicle (required for community and on-call work)
- willingness to participate in a 24/7 on-call rota
Desirable
- SafeLives IDVA or Women's Aid DAPA qualification
- Safeguarding Adults/Children Level 2
- Experience working with high-risk domestic abuse cases
- Knowledge of housing law, criminal justice processes and welfare benefits
Female IDVA 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 Female IDVA
✨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 Female IDVA
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.
