At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse through crisis intervention and advocacy.
- Company: Next Link, a leading provider of domestic abuse services in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 30 days leave, health programmes, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors and empower them towards recovery.
- Qualifications: Experience in crisis support and understanding of domestic abuse impacts.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 30024 £ per year.
We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Complex Needs Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team based in Bristol. You will join us on a Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2028 on a full-time basis working 37.5 hours per week. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,598 (unqualified) or £30,024 (qualified) per annum and benefits.
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to survivors 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 & Wellbeing programme
About the role: We are looking for a Female* Complex Needs 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 survivors experiencing domestic abuse and in need of help and support to become safe.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* Complex Needs 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* Complex Needs 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 7th 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. Missing 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* Complex Needs IDVA in Clifton employer: Next-Link
Next Link is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic abuse in Bristol, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment. With generous benefits such as up to 30 days annual leave, excellent training opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we foster a culture of growth and resilience. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career that prioritises both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female* Complex Needs IDVA in Clifton
✨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 Next-Link.
✨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 Next-Link!
✨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 Next-Link, 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 Next-Link 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 Female* Complex Needs IDVA in Clifton
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 Next-Link:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Next-Link! 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 Next-Link
✨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.
