At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dedicated team tackling high-harm domestic abuse and make a real difference.
- Company: The Bridge Project, a respected charity with over 40 years of experience in Bradford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 32 days leave, pension contributions, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to learning and reflective practice.
- Why this job: Be part of a national model that prioritises safety and accountability for victims.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38511 - 47069 £ per year.
Are you an experienced IDVA ready to use your skills where they can have the greatest impact? This is a rare opportunity to join the nationally recognised Drive Project in Bradford, working as part of a coordinated, whole-system response to high-harm domestic abuse. The Drive Project is not a pilot or test programme; it is a well-established national model currently being rolled out across England, reflecting sustained national commitment to reducing risk, strengthening safety, and improving outcomes for victim-survivors, children and families.
In Bradford, the service will be delivered by The Bridge Project in partnership with the Drive Central Team and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and will be fully embedded within local safeguarding and partnership arrangements from the outset. The Drive Project works with individuals who pose the highest risk of causing serious harm within intimate or family relationships. The programme combines intensive individual case management with a coordinated multi-agency response, creating the conditions for accountability, behaviour change and sustained risk reduction, while keeping victim and survivor safety at the centre of all activity.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a purpose-built service, bringing together skilled practitioners across roles to work collectively, safely and effectively to reduce serious harm and increase safety for children and adults. If you are an experienced, values-led practitioner who is ready to make a meaningful difference in Bradford, we would welcome your application.
The team will operate with fidelity to the Drive model, a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework, balancing challenge and accountability with engagement and support. Staff will work closely with a range of systems and services, such as police, probation, children’s and adult safeguarding, housing, health and specialist adult and child domestic abuse services to ensure a coordinated and effective response to high-risk harm and victim/survivor safety.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for a skilled, values-driven practitioner who is committed to reducing harm and improving safety for children and adults affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong assessment, engagement and communication skills, and the ability to work confidently with complexity, risk and challenge. We are seeking people who can balance clear boundaries and accountability with empathy, curiosity and respect, and who are able to work reflectively within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework.
You will be comfortable working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and in close partnership with other agencies, sharing information appropriately and contributing to collective decision-making. We are particularly keen to hear from people who value learning, supervision and reflective practice, and who want to help shape and embed a high-quality service within a well-established national model.
We are looking to build a team that reflects the breadth of Bradford’s communities and can work confidently, respectfully and effectively with individuals and families across the city. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value cultural awareness, curiosity and competence. Relevant language skills are also welcomed and valued.
Why Work at The Bridge Project?
As well as offering meaningful and rewarding work, The Bridge Project is a well-established Bradford charity with over 40 years’ experience, employing more than 120 staff across the district. We deliver a wide range of integrated services supporting people affected by domestic abuse, substance use, homelessness, mental health challenges, and complex trauma. Our work is rooted in compassion, partnership, and a strong commitment to reducing harm and creating lasting change.
Funding and Retention
The Drive Programme is currently funded through a Home Office national programme. While funding beyond March 2027 remains subject to government spending reviews and funding cycles, Drive is a well-established, evidence-based model that is currently under national roll-out, reflecting continued national prioritisation of whole-system responses to high-harm domestic abuse.
In recognition of the commitment involved in joining a time-limited, externally funded programme, the organisation offers a £2,000 retention payment. This will be paid through the March 2027 payroll to staff who successfully complete the full funded period. The payment is guaranteed and will be made regardless of whether the programme continues beyond this date.
What we’re Offering
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and contribution
- 32 days of annual leave to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside work
- 5% employer pension contribution to support your long-term financial security
- A dedicated Learning & Development programme to help you grow and progress
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential advice whenever you need it
- Death-in-service benefit worth three times your salary for added peace of mind
- Refer-a-friend bonus of £500 when you help us bring great people on board
- Two hours of monthly wellbeing time to pause, connect, and reset with your team
- A programme of mindfulness activities to boost focus on overall wellbeing
- Access to a Blue Light Card, giving you discounts across hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and leisure brands.
The Bridge Project is proud to be a Mindful Employer, championing a workplace where wellbeing truly matters.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emma Sirrell, Service Manager on emma.sirrell@bradford-drive.org.uk
To find out more information and to download an application pack, please visit Jobs and Volunteering - The Bridge Project. Please note that we are unable to accept CVs or applications from employment agencies.
Closing date – 9.00 am Monday 17 August 2026
Shortlisting date – Monday 17 August 2026
Interview date – Wednesday 19 August 2026 and pm Friday 21 August 2026
The Bridge Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and to creating safe, inclusive services. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
Bridge - IDVA Drive Programme in Bradford employer: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets community service. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration across various departments, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects that directly impact the local community. The council promotes a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the organisation's goals.
Contact Details:
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bridge - IDVA Drive Programme in Bradford
✨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 City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Bridge - IDVA Drive Programme in Bradford
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 City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council! 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 City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
✨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.
