At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-risk victims of domestic abuse and empower them towards safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to community safety and engagement.
- Benefits: Permanent position with full-time hours and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic, multi-agency team.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting vulnerable individuals and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal frontline role within Sefton Council’s Community Safety and Engagement Team. As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), you will play a crucial role in ensuring high-risk victims of domestic abuse are supported, safeguarded, and empowered, enabling them to focus on their safety and longer‑term wellbeing. You will act as a key point of contact for service users and partner agencies, working within a fast-paced, multi‑agency environment where professionalism, resilience and sound judgement are essential.
Managing a complex and varied caseload, you will need to respond proactively to risk, ensuring support is timely, effective and centred on the needs of each individual. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, including participation in MARAC and safeguarding processes, you will contribute to a coordinated response to domestic abuse. This role requires someone who thrives under pressure, can anticipate and respond to risk, and takes a structured and organised approach to managing competing priorities.
Key Responsibilities- Managing a caseload of high‑risk victims, ensuring regular contact, review and effective case progression
- Undertaking risk and needs assessments and developing robust safety and support plans
- Prioritising workload effectively in line with risk and urgency
- Advocating on behalf of service users to access appropriate services and protect their safety
- Working collaboratively with a wide range of partner agencies to coordinate support and share information appropriately
- Maintaining accurate, timely and detailed records in line with service requirements
- Handling sensitive and complex information with the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism
- Contributing to multi‑agency meetings, including MARAC, and supporting safeguarding processes
This role is suited to someone who is passionate about supporting vulnerable individuals, committed to safeguarding and best practice, and confident working both independently and as part of a multi‑agency team to achieve positive outcomes for service users.
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us; our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations. We are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential.
We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.
Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview. If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
High-Impact IDVA: Risk‑Focused Domestic Abuse Support employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and the community. As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, allowing you to grow in your role while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals. Located in Sefton, the council fosters a collaborative culture where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that you can thrive professionally while contributing to vital community safety initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land High-Impact IDVA: Risk‑Focused Domestic Abuse Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of domestic violence support, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sefton Council and understanding their approach to community safety. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their multi-agency efforts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting vulnerable individuals during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and best practices in domestic abuse support.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Sefton Council.
We think you need these skills to ace High-Impact IDVA: Risk‑Focused Domestic Abuse Support
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 an IDVA. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what they’re looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable individuals shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in domestic abuse support.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your application is easy to read. This will help us see your qualifications without getting lost in unnecessary details.
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 Sefton Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Understand the key challenges faced by high-risk victims of domestic abuse and be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a complex caseload, conduct risk assessments, and advocate for service users. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills under pressure. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving risk management and multi-agency collaboration, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Sefton Council values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your understanding of different perspectives and your ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.
