At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse with practical and emotional guidance.
- Company: Leading charity in South Wales dedicated to ending domestic abuse.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a fast-paced, trauma-informed setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of survivors and advocate for change.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting domestic abuse survivors and strong communication skills.
Location: Bridgend
Contract: Fixed Term until January 2027
Hours: Full-time (Mon – Fri)
Salary: £17.46 + £2.51 holiday pay
Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of survivors of domestic abuse? A leading Charity in South Wales is looking for a passionate, empathetic, and dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to provide high-quality support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse.
About the Role
As an IDVA, you will be the first point of contact for survivors, offering practical and emotional support to help them stay safe and regain control of their lives. You will work in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment, advocating on behalf of survivors and coordinating services to ensure their safety and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
- Risk Assessment & Safety Planning – Conduct thorough risk assessments (DASH) and create tailored safety plans to protect survivors.
- Advocacy & Support – Provide emotional and practical support, advocating for survivors with the police, courts, housing providers, and other agencies.
- Crisis Intervention – Offer immediate and effective crisis intervention, helping survivors navigate legal, financial, and safeguarding concerns.
- Multi-Agency Working – Work closely with MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences) and partner agencies to ensure a coordinated response.
- Empowerment & Well-being – Support survivors in making informed choices about their future, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
- Confidentiality & Compliance – Maintain accurate records and ensure all work aligns with safeguarding, GDPR, and policies.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in supporting survivors of domestic abuse, ideally within an IDVA or Domestic Abuse role.
- Strong knowledge of domestic abuse, risk assessment tools (DASH), MARAC, and safeguarding procedures.
- Excellent communication & advocacy skills to effectively support and empower survivors.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment.
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., SafeLives IDVA training or equivalent) are desirable.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and generous benefits package.
- A supportive, trauma-informed work environment.
- The chance to change lives and make a real impact.
If you’re passionate about advocating for survivors and want to be part of a dedicated team working to end domestic abuse, we’d love to hear from you! For more information, please contact Emily Savage at BRC Recruitment today.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) in Bridgend
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) in Bridgend
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BRC! 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
✨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.
