At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse with safety planning and advocacy.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Fylde Coast Women's Aid, dedicated to ending domestic violence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a birthday day off, ongoing training, and a friendly work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive team culture await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors and help them regain independence.
- Qualifications: Understanding of domestic abuse and experience supporting vulnerable individuals required.
Location: FCWA Offices, 77 Montague Street, Blackpool, FY4 1AT
Salary:
- £26,500 (FTE unqualified) £21,200 based on 30 hours
- £28,500 (FTE qualified or after 2 years of service) £22,800 based on 30 hours
Hours: 30 hours per week- Over 4 days (Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:00 pm). Days negotiable.
Vacancy Type: 12 Months- continuation is subject to funding.
FCWA is an innovative, exciting, and friendly organisation run by a staff team who are passionate about bringing an end to domestic and sexual violence. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.
The DRIVE IDVA Role and Key Responsibilities
The Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA) plays a critical safeguarding role within the Drive Project, providing specialist, survivor-centred advocacy, safety planning and risk management for victims and survivors linked to Drive cases. The role ensures that survivors’ voices, safety, and well-being remain central to system decision-making throughout the Drive intervention. The role is positioned to work with victims/survivors of domestic abuse; providing specialist support to victims of high-risk, serial, or high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators who are managed by the Drive Project. DRIVE IDVA’s provide ongoing recovery support to clients for up to 12 months.
- Proactively engage with victim/survivors to build bespoke safety plans, including security measures to increase their immediate and long-term safety.
- Act as the crucial link between the perpetrator’s case manager and the victim/survivor to provide current updates and inform disruptive interventions (e.g., police action, bail conditions).
- Conduct regular risk assessments to monitor changes in the perpetrator's behaviour and reduce the risk of harm to the victim/survivor and any children.
- Represent the victim/survivors’ needs in multi-agency meetings (such as MARAC and DAPP), ensuring a coordinated approach between police, social services, housing, and health.
- Serve as the main contact point for victim/survivors to provide consistent support, information and advocacy throughout the intervention process.
- Support victim/survivors through the legal, criminal or civil justice systems.
This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims, children, and families.
- Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning, and risk management within domestic abuse services.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults.
- Experience of providing direct support to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable groups.
- Experience working within multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks.
- Experience using SafeLives DASH risk assessment tools.
- Ability to manage a complex caseload and prioritise competing demands effectively.
- Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and survivor-centred practice.
Desirable Criteria
- IDVA qualification or willingness to work towards accreditation.
- Knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies available to victims of domestic abuse.
- Experience working with individuals affected by mental health issues, substance misuse, or multiple disadvantage.
- Knowledge of housing, homelessness, welfare benefits, and CAFCASS processes.
- Understanding of Respect Standards and perpetrator intervention programmes.
Benefits:
- Birthday day off
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Regular staff support sessions
- Contributory pension scheme
- Death in Service insurance
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Friendly, values-driven team environment
Additional Information:
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance. Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Fylde Coast Womens Aid, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Closing date: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: TBC
DRIVE - IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor in South Shore employer: FCWA
FCWA is a dynamic and supportive employer dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, offering a friendly and values-driven work environment. Employees benefit from ongoing training, a contributory pension scheme, and unique perks like a birthday day off, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors in Blackpool. With a commitment to professional development and a holistic approach to advocacy, FCWA provides an excellent platform for personal and career growth in the field of domestic abuse support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DRIVE - IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor in South Shore
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the domestic violence support sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to support survivors of domestic abuse. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to risk assessment and safety planning. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in supporting victims.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at FCWA and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace DRIVE - IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor in South Shore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting survivors shine through. We want to see your commitment to ending domestic violence and how your values align with ours at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the IDVA role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how you can bring your unique background to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, as it reflects the strong communication skills we value in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at FCWA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims. Familiarise yourself with the DRIVE project and its approach to safety planning and risk management. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported victims or worked within multi-agency partnerships. Highlight your crisis management skills and how you've effectively handled complex cases. This will demonstrate your capability to manage the responsibilities of the IDVA role.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means really paying attention to the questions being asked and responding thoughtfully. It’s crucial in this role to show that you can empathise and understand the needs of survivors, so let that shine through in your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the organisation measures success in supporting survivors. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
