Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in England

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated person to join the team in Avon & Somerset as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) dealing with Adolescent and Child to Parent Violence (APV/CPV). The service provides support across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it? Do you have resilience and adaptability? If yes, then we’d love to hear from you.

Position: 6820 Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
Location: Avon and Somerset/Hybrid
Hours: Part-time, 18.75 hours per week. Hours to be discussed at interview, worked between 9.30am - 5.30pm during Monday to Friday
Contract: Fixed Term to 31st March 2028
Salary: Qualified £14,791.50 per annum (FTE £29,583.00 per annum), Unqualified £13,876.00 per annum (FTE £27,752.00 per annum)
Closing Date: 05/08/2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if enough suitable applications are received.

The Role
This role involves making initial contact with victims of adolescent and child to parent violence and providing initial support in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. You will provide high quality support to all victims of APV/CPV, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also provide cover for the local VS Helpline. If further funding became available there may be an opportunity for more hours.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of APV/CPV victims.
• Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service.
• Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
• Work with victims of APV/CPV to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe.
• Develop individual safety plans to meet victim’s needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Work within the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
• Providing advocacy and information to victims.
• Support the empowerment of the victim.

About You
You will need:

• A good command of the English language both verbally and in writing.
• A good understanding of APV/CPV and/or domestic abuse including the impact of these on victims.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management.
• Understand Safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims of domestic abuse or APV/CPV.
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, to prioritise work and deal with competing demands.
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

In Return...

• Benefits include:
• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave and an extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Organisation
This independent charity is dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. They are at the heart of the organisation and the support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences. The organisation is committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required. As a Disability Confident Employer, they will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so and are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

You may have experience in areas such as ISVA, IDVA, ISAC, Violence, Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Criminal Justice, Family Support Worker, Child Support Worker, Social Worker, Case Worker, Liaison.