At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of gender-based violence with guidance, advice, and safety planning.
- Company: The Gaia Centre, a supportive environment focused on survivor empowerment.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating safe spaces for survivors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and strong communication skills required.
Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.
Location: The Gaia Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £23,085.69 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week. As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. Operating hours of the service 8am-6pm Monday-Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8-4pm or 10-6pm to cover duty shifts.
We are recruiting for a Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) who will be working closely with survivors of domestic and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support, guidance and advice to survivors across all risk levels and their children.
In this role the Duty IGVA is a part of a busy team. The Duty IGVA will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre by other professionals. The Duty IGVA will also be responsible for processing any self-referrals of individuals contacting the service and wishing to access support.
The Duty IGVA will be responsible for responding to daily enquiries from partnership agencies, public and impacted individuals over the phone and email. In some circumstances the Duty IGVA will be contacting survivors directly to assess their level of risk and needs to ensure eligibility.
The Duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs assessments. The Duty IGVA will ensure an effective handover of the case to the relevant team for ongoing support.
The Duty IGVA will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The Duty IGVA 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. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety. The job also involves working in a fast-paced environment.
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 11 June 2026
Interview Date: 19 June 2026
Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) employer: Refuge
At The Gaia Centre in Lambeth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting our staff and the community. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and empowerment, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the vital field of gender violence advocacy. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to making a meaningful impact, we offer a supportive environment where you can thrive while helping survivors navigate their paths to safety and recovery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of gender violence advocacy. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for advocacy roles and practice your responses. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the skills needed for the Duty IGVA position. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to this important work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the Gaia Centre. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Duty IGVA role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your work with survivors of gender-based violence.
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let us know why you’re passionate about supporting survivors. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see how you fit the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refuge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as providing support to survivors and working within multi-agency frameworks. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
In this role, you'll be working closely with survivors of gender-based violence. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise and connect with individuals in distress. Share any relevant experiences or skills that highlight your understanding of trauma-informed care and how you can provide emotional support.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about potential challenges you might face as a Duty IGVA and prepare examples of how you would respond. This shows that you're proactive and ready to tackle the demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing to the Gaia Centre's mission.
