At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women facing domestic violence with tailored, trauma-informed care and advocacy.
- Company: Dynamic service dedicated to empowering women in crisis.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, health support, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable women and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14.67 - 14.67 £ per hour.
Are you passionate about supporting women experiencing domestic and gender-based violence? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and drive to work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment?
We are recruiting for a Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to join a specialist respite accommodation service in Bristol. This innovative project provides short-term, safe housing and intensive support for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and fleeing domestic or gender-based abuse. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic, trauma-informed service that supports women facing multiple disadvantage, helping them move toward safety, recovery, and independence.
About the Role
You will work within a small, dedicated team delivering specialist domestic abuse support within a safehouse setting. The service provides emergency accommodation and rapid, coordinated support to women at high risk.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering specialist IDVA interventions and risk assessments
- Providing personalised, trauma-informed support and case management
- Supporting women to access housing pathways and move-on options
- Working collaboratively with partner agencies including police, health, housing, and substance misuse services
- Advocating on behalf of survivors to improve safety and outcomes
- Supporting women to rebuild confidence, increase safety, and make informed choices
The role involves rota-based working, including evenings and weekends, with additional payments for unsocial hours.
About You
- Ideally hold an IDVA qualification (or be willing to work towards one)
- Have experience supporting vulnerable women, particularly those affected by domestic or sexual abuse and multiple disadvantage
- Be confident delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support
- Have strong communication, problem-solving, and partnership-working skills
- Be able to manage a complex caseload in a fast-paced environment
- Have a good understanding of safeguarding, housing pathways, and relevant legislation
You will be committed to empowering women through a compassionate, non-judgemental, and strengths-based approach.
What We Offer
- Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on service)
- Additional leave days, including International Women’s Day
- Pension contribution (minimum 5%)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Health and wellbeing support
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Long service recognition
Important Information
This role is open to female applicants only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service.
For more info, please contact Inca Reynolds on 0117 923 9100.
Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) employer: BRC Jobs
Join a dynamic Housing Maintenance Team in Bracknell, where your skills as a Painter & Decorator will be valued and rewarded. Our company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises customer satisfaction and employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development and training. Enjoy the benefits of working in a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and efficiency, ensuring that every project you undertake is both fulfilling and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)
✨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 BRC Jobs.
✨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 BRC Jobs!
✨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 BRC Jobs, 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 BRC Jobs 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 Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)
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 BRC Jobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BRC Jobs! 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 BRC Jobs
✨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.
