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- Tasks: Provide vital support to high-risk domestic abuse victims and help them regain control.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Wellbeing package, flexible leave, development opportunities, and paid volunteering hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a life-saving impact every day while supporting those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and strong advocacy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Make a life saving difference every day. Are you an experienced domestic abuse professional ready to use your skills where they truly matter? Do you thrive in fast paced, meaningful work where your expertise can help people rebuild safety, choice and control? Join our domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) partnership team and be part of a committed, multi‐agency service making a real difference for victims across Cambridgeshire.
About the role
As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), you will provide specialist, trauma‐informed crisis support to high‐risk victims of domestic abuse. You'll work with individuals at critical points in their lives, helping them increase their safety, navigate complex systems, and make informed decisions about their future. You will play a key role within the MARAC process, working proactively with police, housing, health, children's services and the legal system to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
Our IDVA team is varied, with roles focused on:
- Housing links
- Young people
- Ethnic minority communities
- Victims whose perpetrators are engaged with the DRIVE perpetrator programme
May be asked to work within one of these specialist areas – relevant experience is highly valued. This is a 1‐year fixed term post to cover maternity leave, with the potential for extension.
What you will be doing
- Managing a caseload of high‐risk domestic abuse cases
- Completing risk assessments and safety planning
- Providing tailored crisis intervention by phone and face to face
- Acting as a strong, trusted advocate with housing, courts, police and other agencies
- Contributing to MARAC and wider partnership working
- Putting survivor voice, choice and safety at the centre of everything you do
About you
- A level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent (essential)
- Degree or SafeLives IDVA qualification (desirable)
- Proven experience supporting victims of domestic abuse
- Strong understanding of domestic abuse, risk and relevant legislation
- Excellent communication, advocacy and problem‐solving skills
- The ability to work independently while thriving as part of a supportive team
- A clear commitment to safeguarding adults and children
- Ability to travel and work across Cambridgeshire
- Post requires enhanced DBS check and police vetting.
Benefits
- Comprehensive wellbeing package covering all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, also available to family members
- Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro‐rata) through salary sacrifice scheme
- Flexible bank holiday takeaway
- Additional voluntary contributions to pension with tax and National Insurance savings
- Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaching
- Paid volunteering hours each year to make a positive impact on the community during the normal working day
- Access to peer support groups through IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network
- Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards
- Our Cambs Rewards account, offering discounts, and Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants disclosing a disability who meet the essential criteria.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) employer: Cambridge County Council
Contact Detail:
Cambridge County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the domestic abuse sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of domestic abuse legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of an IDVA and how you can make a real difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping victims by sharing relevant stories from your past work. This will not only highlight your experience but also demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that directly relate to the IDVA role. We want to see how your background in domestic abuse support makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for helping victims of domestic abuse shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely committed to making a difference, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of domestic abuse legislation and the MARAC process. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported victims of domestic abuse. Highlight your crisis intervention skills and how you've navigated complex systems to advocate for clients. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
While the role requires independence, it's crucial to show that you can thrive in a team environment. Talk about your experiences working with multi-agency teams and how collaboration has led to better outcomes for victims. This will highlight your ability to work effectively within their partnership framework.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the organisation's values align with yours. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to putting survivor voice and safety at the centre of your work.