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- Tasks: Support high-risk domestic abuse victims with tailored safety plans and advocacy.
- Company: First Light, a dedicated organisation focused on domestic violence support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to empowering victims and promoting safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills required.
The Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) role will deliver a proactive, person-centred and trauma-informed support service to adults experiencing high-risk domestic abuse in all its forms. The role focuses on keeping victims and their families safe through support intervention, comprehensive safety planning, and coordinated multi-agency responses. The post holder will provide a premium service to those assessed as being at the highest risk, working assertively and flexibly to engage clients, including completing face-to-face outreach in community settings and their homes where required. Clients may present with complex and multiple needs, including substance misuse, mental and physical health issues, learning needs, criminal justice involvement, and other vulnerabilities. The IDVA will work proactively within multi-agency forums, including MARAC, to assess risk, share information, and develop robust safety and support plans. Strong advocacy and partnership-working skills are essential to ensure victims are supported to access statutory and voluntary services appropriate to their risks and needs. The role requires a highly motivated and adaptable individual who can work unsupervised on a day-to-day basis, effectively prioritising and managing a complex caseload while maintaining a strong focus on victim safety, empowerment, and recovery.
Key responsibilities:
- To provide a pro-active service to those experiencing high risk domestic abuse to keep them and their families safe, including access to support for the abusive person.
- To complete person-centred individualised risk assessments and support plans to reduce risk and identify individual needs. To deliver appropriate support in keeping with the results.
- To provide advocacy, emotional, practical support and information to victims to address identified risks and needs including safety planning, housing and security, online safety, separation and post separation, children, health and wellbeing, legal, financial and any other additional support needs identified.
- To deliver support in the community, essential face to face support in the environment which best suits the client.
- To manage, support and prioritise daily referrals received, ensuring timescales are met in respect of first contact.
- To participate in the MARAC framework including:
- Referring High risk victims to MARAC
- Attending and participating in MARAC meetings
- Following up on actions agreed in MARAC
- Receiving referrals direct from MARAC
Essential requirements:
- Literacy skills and experience working with databases.
- Hold a SafeLives IDVA training certificate, or a relevant degree, or demonstrable equivalent experience, or vocational qualification.
- Supporting victims of domestic abuse, or working with vulnerable people.
- Have a good understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
- Understand safeguarding issues (children and vulnerable adults) and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
- Understanding the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
- Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
- Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
- Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check, and a social media check conducted by a third party organisation as part of our Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer of employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of these checks, as well as the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, with one being from your current or most recent employer. Please note that in some roles staff may be required to work from a home/office base in accordance with our Hybrid Working policy.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor employer: First Light
Contact Detail:
First Light Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with organisations that focus on domestic violence support. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their approach to domestic violence advocacy. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an IDVA, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Role-play common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the IDVA role. We want to see how you can bring your unique perspective to support those experiencing domestic abuse.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Whether it's working with vulnerable individuals or understanding safeguarding issues, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so show us what you've got!
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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around risk assessments and safety planning. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with vulnerable individuals and how you've handled complex situations in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills. This will demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload effectively while prioritising victim safety.
✨Understand the Legal Framework
Brush up on the legal responsibilities surrounding safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children. Being able to articulate your understanding of these issues during the interview will show that you’re not only knowledgeable but also committed to best practices in the field.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's approach to multi-agency working and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re proactive and engaged, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values.