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- Tasks: Support women experiencing domestic abuse and advocate for their needs in housing.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in housing systems and safeguarding practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in survivors' lives while gaining valuable experience in advocacy.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to supporting survivors are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29701 - 29701 £ per year.
We are seeking a committed and compassionate Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) to join our service in Barking and Dagenham, supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse. This is a vital role that works in close partnership with the Housing Department, with the post-holder co-located three days per week in person to strengthen joint working and improve outcomes for survivors.
The Housing IGVA will provide specialist support and advocacy, working alongside housing colleagues to ensure survivors’ safety, needs, and experiences are fully understood and responded to. The role involves advocating on behalf of clients, conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and making appropriate referrals to internal and external support services. The post-holder will also provide professional guidance and insight to housing staff to enhance trauma-informed practice.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication and partnership-working skills, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and a clear commitment to empowering women on their recovery journey. Relevant lived experience and/or professional experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse will be highly valued, alongside empathy, resilience, and a solutions-focused approach.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a critical point in survivors’ lives, while also developing specialist knowledge of housing systems and safeguarding practice.
Closing date: 9.00am on 13 May 2026
Interview date: 27 May 2026
Benefits: Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London employer: Refuge
Contact Detail:
Refuge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and domestic abuse sectors. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect IGVA role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and understand their approach to supporting survivors. Think about how your skills align with their mission and be ready to share your insights on trauma-informed practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your lived experience or professional background. If you’ve got relevant experience, make sure to highlight it during conversations. It’s all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by survivors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Make sure your application reflects your commitment to empowering women and your dedication to making a difference in their lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Housing IGVA. We want to see how you can support survivors and work effectively with housing colleagues.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your passion for supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone committed and compassionate, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Refuge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Housing IGVA inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as conducting risk assessments and developing safety plans. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
This role is all about supporting survivors of domestic abuse, so be prepared to discuss your understanding of trauma-informed practice. Share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your compassion and commitment to empowering women on their recovery journey.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to advocacy and support. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.