Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate

We are Hestia. We make a difference. At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate to play a pivotal role in our Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Service in Newham.

The Alessia Project is a commissioned independent service based in Newham, supporting individuals aged 16+ who sell sex and/or experience sexual exploitation. Working within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centred framework, the service empowers individuals to make informed choices about their lives while accessing tailored support. Through strong multi-agency partnerships, service users are supported with a range of needs including housing, finances, health, emotional wellbeing, therapy, and safeguarding. The project prioritises autonomy and empowerment, while recognising and responding to the vulnerabilities, risks, and exploitation that can be associated with survival sex work.

As an Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA), the role involves providing specialist advocacy and high-quality support to sex workers and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting risk assessments and safety planning
• Managing a caseload of high-risk clients
• Representing victims at MARAC
• Making safeguarding referrals
• Delivering outreach and drop-in support
• Working collaboratively with police, health, housing, and community organisations

Using a strengths-based and harm-reduction approach, the IDSVA supports individuals to increase their safety, confidence, independence, and overall quality of life while ensuring their voice remains central to all aspects of support and decision-making.

What do I need to bring with me? You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The role requires experience of supporting individuals involved in both on-street and off-street sex work, alongside a strong understanding of the barriers they may face when accessing services. Candidates should have experience of providing practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of gender-based violence, using a trauma-informed and person-centred approach. A thorough understanding of risk assessment, safety planning, safeguarding, and the impact of trauma is essential, as is the ability to effectively support individuals with complex and multiple needs.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, record-keeping, administrative, and time management skills, with experience of managing a caseload and maintaining accurate case records. They will be confident working within multi-agency environments, building strong partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector agencies, and contributing to processes such as MARAC. A sound knowledge of housing law, welfare benefits, legal remedies available to survivors, safeguarding legislation, and the legal framework surrounding sex work is highly desirable.

Above all, the role requires someone who can build trusting, non-judgemental relationships, empower service users to achieve their goals, remain calm under pressure, and demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, service user involvement, and continuous professional development. This is a floating support role that requires travel across the Borough of Newham to our community hubs.

Interview Steps: We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have a face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Our service users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer. Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement: Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates: If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed. We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.