At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-risk victims of domestic abuse and advocate for their needs.
- Company: Join the Havering Community Safety Service making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and working with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers victims and promotes safety in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse advocacy and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Job Description
About You
We are looking for someone with experience of working directly with victims of domestic abuse or a similar client group.
You will understand the dynamics and impact of domestic abuse, including risk, safeguarding, trauma and barriers to leaving abusive relationships.
You will be confident working in a fast-paced environment, managing a caseload, completing risk assessments, maintaining accurate records and representing the needs and views of victims at multi-agency meetings.
You will be compassionate, resilient and able to communicate effectively with victims, colleagues and partner agencies.
You will also understand the importance of confidentiality, information sharing, data protection and professional boundaries.
Safe Lives IDVA advocacy training is desirable, although applicants with relevant experience and a strong commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, proactive support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse.
- Identify and assess risk and need using recognised risk assessment tools.
- Develop individual safety plans with victims and support them to access appropriate services.
- Advocate for victims at MARAC, case conferences and other multi-agency meetings.
- Support victims through the criminal justice process, including attending court where required.
- Work with partner agencies to improve safety for victims and their children.
- Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring support is tailored to individual needs.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records.
- Contribute to monitoring information and service development.
- Comply with safeguarding, data protection, confidentiality and information sharing requirements.
- What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience of working in the domestic abuse field or with a similar client group.
- Experience of advocacy and supporting vulnerable people through crisis.
- Experience of multi-agency working and partnership problem solving.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
- Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- A good standard of general education.
- An understanding of safeguarding, risk management and confidentiality.
- The ability to travel across the borough for work purposes, or make suitable alternative transport arrangements.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Havering.
You will be joining a committed Community Safety Service that works closely with statutory and voluntary sector partners to reduce harm, improve safety and support residents at times of significant risk.
You will be part of a service that values partnership working, professional development, inclusive practice and high-quality support for residents.
Additional Information
The post holder may occasionally be required to work outside normal office hours and may be required to work at different Council sites.
The Council is committed to equality of opportunity, safeguarding, confidentiality and the highest standards of professional conduct.
All employees are expected to comply with relevant Council policies, procedures and statutory responsibilities.
We want everyone to choose Havering.
When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees.
Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 9/8/26 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit.
By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council.
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Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Post employer: London Borough of Havering
At the London Borough of Havering, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Section 20 Consultation Officer, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Our commitment to transparency and customer-focused service ensures that you will be part of a dedicated team striving for continuous improvement and excellence in public service.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Post
✨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 London Borough of Havering.
✨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 London Borough of Havering!
✨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 London Borough of Havering, 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 London Borough of Havering 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 Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Post
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 London Borough of Havering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Havering! 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 London Borough of Havering
✨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.
