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- Tasks: Support women and children affected by violence, providing advocacy and emotional support.
- Company: Join Refuge, a leading charity dedicated to helping survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible working hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower survivors, work in a supportive environment, and contribute to meaningful social change.
- Qualifications: This role is open to women only, as per the Equality Act 2010 requirements.
- Other info: Applications close on 4 September 2025; interviews on 18-19 September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Health IGVA supporting women and children who are impacted by different strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). You will work closely with victims of VAWG from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of VAWG at the highest risk and their children.
The Health IGVA will train and provide ongoing support to GP practices and other health professionals and providers to enable primary and secondary care staff to be able to effectively talk to their patients about gender based abuse and different strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): including Domestic abuse and violence (physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, economic or tech abuse), Sexual Violence (Rape and sexual assault), Stalking and harassment , Sexual exploitation (including women working in sex industry and Child Sexual Exploitation), Female genital mutilation (FGM)/cutting , Forced marriage, So-called ‘honour’-based abuse, provide early identification and offer appropriate care pathways for survivors of all genders, aged 16 years and over and their children, living, working or/and studying in Lambeth.
The post holder will work in partnership with the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Gaia Service Manager to proactively develop and maintain links with health providers in the local area and build links with health professionals and support agencies.
The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the Multiagency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support.
The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, and practical options that might increase their safety.
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 4 September 2025
Interview Date: 18 and 19 September 2025
health independent gender violence advocate (health igva) employer: Refuge
Contact Detail:
Refuge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land health independent gender violence advocate (health igva)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the various strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Understanding the nuances of issues like domestic abuse, sexual violence, and honour-based abuse will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the health and social care sectors. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet people who work in advocacy or support roles. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain experience in multi-agency collaboration. If you have the opportunity, volunteer or work in settings that require teamwork across different organisations. This experience will be crucial as the role involves working within a multi-agency framework.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on local resources and support services available for survivors of VAWG. Knowing what services are accessible in Lambeth will help you provide informed support and show your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace health independent gender violence advocate (health igva)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Health IGVA position. Highlight key aspects such as supporting survivors of VAWG and working within a multi-agency framework.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in advocacy, support roles, or healthcare settings. Emphasise any work with vulnerable populations, particularly women and children affected by violence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting survivors of VAWG. Include specific examples of your experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements, demonstrating your understanding of the issues at hand.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials 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 and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Health IGVA. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with supporting survivors of VAWG and working within a multi-agency framework.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
This role requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by survivors of gender-based violence. During the interview, demonstrate your empathy and ability to connect with individuals in crisis. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your compassion and support skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the laws and policies surrounding Violence Against Women and Girls, including the Equality Act 2010. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the role and your readiness to advocate for survivors effectively.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the organisation's approach to supporting survivors and their collaboration with health professionals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
