At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse with advocacy, safety planning, and risk management.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Fylde Coast Women’s Aid dedicated to ending domestic violence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Empower survivors and be a crucial part of their journey to safety and independence.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy or support roles is a plus; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 21200 - 28500 £ per year.
Location: Fylde Coast Women’s Aid, 77 Montague Street, Blackpool, FY4 1AT. These posts cover Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.
Hours: 30 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm-Over 4 days)
Salary: £26,500 (unqualified) £21,200 based on 30 hours – £28,500 (qualified or upon completion of 2 years’ service) £22,800 based on 30 hours
Contract: 12 months- fixed term contract, continuation subject to funding.
MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB
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.
Closing date: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: TBC
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.
DRIVE – IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) employer: Fylde Coast Women's Aid
Fylde Coast Women’s Aid is a compassionate and innovative organisation dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors. Located in Blackpool, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community while receiving competitive salaries and ongoing training to enhance your skills in advocacy and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DRIVE – IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of domestic violence advocacy. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to supporting survivors and think about how your experiences align with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to handling sensitive situations. Use role-play with a friend or family member to build confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace DRIVE – IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the IDVA role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique strengths to our team!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting survivors of domestic abuse shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fylde Coast Women's Aid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around safety planning and risk management. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for supporting survivors during the interview.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
This role is all about supporting victims of domestic abuse, so be prepared to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and understanding, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation and the DRIVE project. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to multi-agency meetings or how they support their staff.
✨Practice Your Responses
Think about common interview questions related to domestic violence advocacy and practice your responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your thought process and problem-solving skills.
