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- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse with emotional and practical guidance.
- Company: Next Link is a leading provider of domestic abuse services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, training opportunities, and a health and wellbeing programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of women facing mental health crises while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Understanding of domestic abuse impacts and experience in support planning and risk assessment required.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours, including evenings and Saturdays on a rota basis.
The predicted salary is between 22711 - 29093 £ per year.
We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Mental Health Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team based in South Gloucestershire on a part time, fixed term contract until 31st March 2026 working full-time 30 hours per week with some additional evening and Saturday work on a rota basis.In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £27,711 (unqualified) or £29,093 (qualified) plus 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 as our Female* Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, we will offer you the following fantastic benefits:
- 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 Female* Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor role
This post will be based within Next Link Domestic abuse services providing outreach, and community-based support to high risk victims of domestic abuse across South Gloucestershire.
Working across Next Link with victim\’s 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* Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor:
- To establish and maintain support to survivors and their children, 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.
- Maintain an effective support service with the aim of enabling the survivor and her children to develop the skills and resources necessary to move on and maintain independence and self-reliance.
- Co deliver Survivor programmes (e.g. Freedom Programme), Family and Peer Support group work activities
- 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 ideal Female* Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor:
- An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on women, men and children
- Knowledge of the safety options available to survivors 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, MARAC and DRIVE
- An understanding of cultural diversity
- A full driving licence and access to transport
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering and supporting females who are experiencing a mental health crisis, please apply now to join us as our Female* Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and contribute to the valuable work Missing Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to women who are navigating their way through a challenging time in their lives.
How to apply:
Pleasedownload the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am on Monday 18th August 2025. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held weeks commencing 18th and 25th August 2025.
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) Next Link is part of Missing Link Housing
Female Mental Health IDVA in Bristol employer: Next Link
Contact Detail:
Next Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Female Mental Health IDVA in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse. Understanding their needs and the support systems available will help you demonstrate your commitment to empowering them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of domestic abuse services. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with risk assessment and support planning. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported vulnerable individuals in the past, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Next Link and its approach to supporting survivors. Understanding their values and methods will allow you to align your answers with their mission during the interview, showcasing that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Female Mental Health IDVA in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Female Mental Health IDVA position. Familiarise yourself with the key duties and the impact of domestic abuse on individuals.
Tailor Your Application: When completing the application form, tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of domestic abuse and your ability to support survivors.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous work or volunteer experience related to mental health, domestic abuse, or support services. Mention your familiarity with safety options, risk assessment, and working with vulnerable individuals.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you download the application pack from the Next Link website and complete the application form as instructed. Remember, they do not accept CVs, so focus on providing detailed answers in the application form.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Link
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Female Mental Health IDVA. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as providing support to survivors and collaborating with agencies like MARAC and the DRIVE Project.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in support planning and risk assessment. Be ready to provide examples of how you've worked with vulnerable individuals and the impact you've made in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
This role requires a deep understanding of the effects of domestic abuse. Be prepared to talk about how you would approach sensitive situations and empower survivors to make informed choices.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates with other services to support survivors.
