We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity for a Female* LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team based in South Gloucestershire . You will join us on a Permanent Contract on a part-time basis working 18.75 hours per week (including some evening and weekend working on a rota basis) . In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 12 £29,542 (unqualified ) or Point 15 £31,015 (qualified) per annum pro rata plus benefits .
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. With a focus on survivor's safety and recovery; we believe the provision of flexible support tailored to survivor's needs can be transforming, helping to maximise independence and self-determination so survivors can make informed choices.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
3 extra holidays including International Women's Day
Excellent development and training opportunities
Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Long Service Awards
Health and Wellbeing programme
About the role:
This post will be based within Next Link Domestic abuse services providing outreach, and community-based support to victims of domestic abuse across South Gloucestershire.
Working across Next Link with victim's whose perpetrators are part of the DRIVE Programme in South Gloucestershire and close partnership working with the Lighthouse, MARAC and the DRIVE Project to provide co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy to female or male survivors of domestic violence and their children. The role involves empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA:
To establish and maintain support to survivors, with a victim centred approach, focussing on safety and recovery
Providing support to enable survivors to safely maintain their current accommodation, access welfare benefits, legal advice alternative housing, and support services
To provide age specific trauma informed one to one and group interventions that enable survivors to build emotional resilience and well-being
To carry out risk assessments including DASH, co-produce safety plans with the service user regularly review the plans, enabling survivors to assess and manage risk to their own and their children's safety. Amend plans as appropriate when circumstances change and attend the MARAC and refer service users when appropriate.
Champion service user empowerment and involvement
To liaise effectively and collaboratively with all appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users
This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.
What we are looking for in our Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA:
An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on survivors
Knowledge of the safety options available to people experiencing domestic abuse
Experience of support planning and risk assessment
Experience of assessing the risks and needs of vulnerable people who have experienced domestic abuse and/or complex needs
Experience working with the police, Lighthouse, MASH, Compass, MARAC and DRIVE
Experience of working within the voluntary and statutory sector with people with learning disabilities
An understanding of cultural diversity
To hold IDVA qualification
A full driving licence and access to transport
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering victims of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us as our Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA and contribute to the valuable work Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
How to apply:
Pleasedownload the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am on Friday 9th October 2026 . Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held w/c 12th and 19th October 2026.
Female* LGBTQ+ IDVA in Bristol employer: Next Link
Next Link is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and children affected by domestic abuse in Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits such as up to 30 days of annual leave, excellent training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values personal growth and community impact. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying a flexible work environment and a focus on health and wellbeing.
