At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse and advocate for their needs.
- Company: Join First Light UK, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, well-being days, training, and 24/7 support services.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals and commitment to IDVA training or relevant degree.
- Health and Social Care IDVA Location: Plymouth
- Vacancy
Type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week) The Health and Social Care Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse within Livewell settings.
Working as part of an integrated response, the post holder receives referrals from Livewell teams following routine enquiry or disclosure and provides timely, person-centred interventions that prioritise safety, recovery, and long-term well being.
The role involves assessing risk, undertaking safety planning, and delivering tailored emotional and practical support to individuals with a wide range of needs, including those at the highest level of risk.
A key part of the role is to advocate on behalf of service users and work collaboratively with Livewell staff, community services, and partner agencies to ensure individuals can access the legal, housing, health, financial, and other support services to which they are entitled.
The post holder will empower service users to better understand the dynamics and impact of domestic abuse, support informed decision-making, and help them regain choice, control, and independence.
The Health and Social Care IDVA also has an important responsibility in promoting greater awareness of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and the integrated service among Livewell practitioners and wider professionals, helping to strengthen identification, referral, and response pathways across services.
The role requires a highly motivated, adaptable, and resilient individual who can work independently, manage a complex caseload, respond calmly in crisis situations, handle sensitive information with professionalism, and maintain accurate and confidential case records in line with service requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse within Livewell settings
- 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 well being, legal, financial and any other additional support needs identified
- Receive and respond promptly to referrals from clinicians following routine enquiry or other disclosures.
- Provide an enhanced service to those assessed as high risk, while ensuring all referrals receive an appropriate and timely response regardless of risk level
- To ensure, through liaison with both the client and partner agencies, that clients receive the support they require and to which they are entitled
- To understand and actively use the legal framework relating to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children through local safeguarding procedures
- Empower service users to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse in their own circumstances and support them to regain safety, choice, and control.
- To assist the client in developing their own support networks.
- Where necessary, to act as a single point of contact for the client to address risk and need
- To signpost clients to the most appropriate agency to meet their needs
- To effectively manage a caseload
- To ensure accurate and timely management of all electronic case management records within the Halo database
- To follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the victim is kept central to any process
- To keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes
- To take a proactive approach regarding professional development and requirements of the role.
- Work flexibly including out of hours as and when required to do so.
- Represent the charity and service appropriately with a broad range of organisations and individuals
- To undertake any duties as may be required from time to time commensurate with the grade of the post. Essential requirements:
- Literacy skills and experience working with databases
- To hold or have a commitment to complete certified IDVA training, or a relevant degree, or demonstrable equivalent experience
- Experience 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 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 Added benefits: A comprehensive induction and training programme.
A well being day per financial year Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases Health and well being resources including our staff Well being Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our employee engagement platform.
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which includes a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support.
Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light UK, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application
Health and Social Care IDVA in Plymouth employer: First Light
First Light UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and trauma-informed work environment for Health and Social Care IDVAs in Plymouth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing domestic abuse. The organisation fosters a collaborative culture, ensuring that employees have access to vital resources and support systems, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding and purposeful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Social Care IDVA in Plymouth
✨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 First Light.
✨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 First Light!
✨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 First Light, 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 First Light 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 Health and Social Care IDVA in Plymouth
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 First Light:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to First Light! 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 First Light
✨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.
