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- Tasks: Support adults facing domestic abuse, providing trauma-informed advice and safety planning.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and supportive colleagues.
- Other info: Clear pathway from Trainee IDVA to Qualified IDVA with ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in support work or related fields; compassion and resilience are key.
Make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing domestic abuse. We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and resilient individual to join our high‑risk domestic abuse team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) or Trainee IDVA. This is a rewarding opportunity to support adults at high risk of serious harm, helping them to increase their safety, navigate complex systems and rebuild stability for themselves and their children.
Whether you are already a qualified IDVA or bring strong transferable skills from a related field, we will provide the training, supervision and professional development you need to thrive in this specialist role.
About the Role
As an IDVA (or Trainee IDVA), you will:
- Provide specialist, trauma‑informed support to adults experiencing domestic abuse.
- Undertake risk assessments and develop robust, personalised safety and support plans.
- Offer practical and emotional support around housing, finance, health, children, and criminal and civil justice options.
- Advocate for survivors with partner agencies including police, housing, health, children’s services and the courts.
- Participate in MARAC and other safeguarding processes, ensuring survivors’ voices are heard.
- Work collaboratively within a supportive, experienced high‑risk team.
As a Trainee IDVA you will follow a structured development plan, hold a smaller caseload initially and receive close supervision, with a clear pathway to becoming a fully qualified IDVA.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified IDVAs, or
- Candidates with a minimum two years’ experience in a related field such as support work, housing, social care, youth work, criminal justice, mental health, substance use or advocacy.
You will be operating across North and West Oxfordshire, so a full drivers licence is required. You will need to be located within a reasonable travelling distance of this region.
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following skills and behaviours:
- Commitment to Survivors
- A compassionate, non‑judgemental and person‑centred approach.
- A genuine desire to improve safety and outcomes for adults and their children.
- Trauma‑Informed Practice
- Ability to recognise trauma responses and adapt support accordingly.
- Sensitivity, patience and emotional intelligence when working with people in crisis.
- Risk Awareness & Safety Planning
- Confidence (or willingness to learn) in assessing risk and developing effective safety plans.
- Ability to respond calmly and decisively in high‑risk situations.
- Strong Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Ability to build trust quickly and communicate clearly.
- Skilled at active listening and explaining complex information in accessible ways.
- Resilience & Self‑Awareness
- Ability to manage emotionally challenging work and maintain personal wellbeing.
- Willingness to use supervision constructively and reflect on practice.
- Organisation & Case Management
- Ability to manage a busy caseload, prioritise effectively and keep accurate records.
- Strong attention to detail and reliability in meeting deadlines.
- Teamwork & Partnership Working
- Willingness to collaborate with colleagues and external agencies.
- Ability to build constructive, professional relationships that support safeguarding.
- Commitment to Learning
- Openness to training, including completing an accredited IDVA qualification.
- Motivation to keep practice up to date with legislation and best practice.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Regular supervision and reflective practice
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities
- Supportive, experienced colleagues
- A clear pathway from Trainee IDVA to Qualified IDVA
- The chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact
The Recruitment process
Submission of CV and covering letter which demonstrates how you have met the above skills and behaviours. Please note applications without a supporting covering letter will not be accepted.
10-to-20-minute introductory call with one of the team
One day on-site shadowing
Previous applicants need not apply
This vacancy is being managed by our retained HR Consultancy – HRCentral Limited. No agents, please.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) / Trainee IDVA in Banbury employer: Reducing the Risk
Contact Detail:
Reducing the Risk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) / Trainee IDVA in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and mission, especially around domestic abuse support. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your active listening skills before interviews. Being able to listen and respond thoughtfully is crucial in this role, so try role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with the types of questions you might face.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your resilience! Think of examples from your past where you've handled challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to cope with the emotional demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) / Trainee IDVA in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for supporting survivors and how your experiences align with the skills we're looking for. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the IDVA role. Show us how your background in support work or related fields makes you a great fit!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: We want to see how you connect with others! Use examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to build trust and communicate effectively, especially in challenging situations. This is key for the role!
Follow Up with Enthusiasm: After submitting your application, don’t hesitate to follow up! A quick email expressing your enthusiasm for the role can make a positive impression. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reducing the Risk
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an IDVA and the specific challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and be ready to discuss how your skills can help improve safety and outcomes for those in need.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, demonstrate your compassionate and non-judgemental approach. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals in crisis, highlighting your ability to listen actively and respond sensitively to their needs.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your risk awareness and safety planning skills. Think about how you would handle high-risk situations and be ready to explain your thought process clearly, showing your confidence and willingness to learn.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the support provided to IDVAs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.