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- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic violence, assess risks, and implement safety plans.
- Company: Join Refuge, a leading charity dedicated to helping those affected by domestic abuse.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower women, work in a supportive team, and contribute to meaningful social change.
- Qualifications: This role is open to women only, as per the Equality Act 2010.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with an on-call rota; apply by 3rd September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 26000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
Location: Lambeth, London
Salary: £23,085.69 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday). Please note that the the operating hours of the service are 8AM- 6PM Monday- Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8- 4pm or 10- 6pm to cover.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Duty Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to be the first point of contact for women who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support to survivors all risk levels and their children..
In this role you will be part of a busy team. You will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre. The duty IGVA will be responding to daily enquiries (specify from whom- public, agencies, individuals? over the phone and email as well as contacting survivors, assessing their risks and needs.
The duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs and will ensure an effective handover to the over to the relevant GAIA team for ongoing support. The post holder will also empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. You will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing Date: 09:00am 3rd September 2025
Interview Date: 11 and 12 September 2025
Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) employer: Refuge
Contact Detail:
Refuge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence. Understanding their needs and the support systems available will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of domestic violence advocacy. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving survivors, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Gaia Centre and its approach to supporting survivors. Being able to discuss their methods and values in your interview will show that you are genuinely interested in the role and align with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting survivors of domestic violence. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to provide emotional and practical support, as well as your understanding of safety planning.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous work or volunteer experience related to gender-based violence, advocacy, or social work. Include details about your roles, responsibilities, and the impact you made in those positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refuge
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as assessing risks and needs, implementing safety plans, and providing emotional support.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with survivors of domestic violence. Share examples from your past experiences where you've provided support or assistance to individuals in crisis, highlighting your compassionate approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Multi-Agency Work
Since this role involves working within a multi-agency framework, be prepared to discuss your understanding of how different agencies collaborate to support survivors. Research local partnerships and protocols that may be relevant to the Gaia Centre.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in this role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
