At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower Black and Minoritised Ethnic survivors of domestic abuse in crisis situations.
- Company: Next Link, a leading provider of domestic abuse services in Bristol.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, health programme, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in crisis support and understanding of domestic abuse impact.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 30024 £ per year.
We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (BME IDVA) to join our team based in Bristol. You will join us on a Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2028, on a part-time basis working 18.75 hours per week over 3 days (Monday to Friday days to be agreed). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 12 £28,598 (unqualified) or Point 15 £30,024 (qualified) per annum pro rata and benefits.
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol 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: We are looking for a Female* BME IDVA to join the team and work within a dynamic, fast-paced crisis intervention advocacy and support service. You will provide a crisis response service to Black and Ethnic Minoritised survivors experiencing domestic abuse and in need of help and support to become safe.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* BME IDVA:
- Responding to emergency/crisis situations to survivors experiencing domestic abuse
- Providing support, advice, advocacy, signposting and direct intervention
- Providing short term support (up to 8 weeks); advising survivors on criminal justice/and civil remedies
- Empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery
- Some evening and Saturday working on a rota basis and participation in an out of hours telephone on-call rota
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 ideal Female* BME IDVA:
- Experience of working with people in crisis
- An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on survivors
- The ability to deal with and diffuse crisis and emergency situations in an effective manner
- Experience of risk assessment, co-producing risk management and safety plans
- Experience of managing own caseload
- A full driving licence and access to transport
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering survivors of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us and contribute to the valuable work of Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
How to apply: Please download the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am Tuesday 14th July 2026. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held week commencing 20th July 2026.
Next Link is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of abuse, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Next Link is committed to Equal Opportunities. *Due to the specific requirements of this role, this post is exempt under the Equality Act (2010), Part 1, Schedule 9 (Genuine Occupational Requirement.)
Female* BME IDVA in Clifton employer: Next-Link
Next Link is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic abuse, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Bristol. With generous benefits such as up to 30 days annual leave, excellent training opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we foster personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values diversity and strives to create positive change for women and children in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female* BME IDVA in Clifton
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Next-Link, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Next-Link. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Next-Link's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Female* BME IDVA in Clifton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Next-Link. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Next-Link.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next-Link
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Next-Link.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Female* BME IDVA at Next-Link.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Next-Link that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Female* BME IDVA role.
