At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-risk victims of domestic abuse and manage complex caseloads.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to community safety and engagement.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers guaranteed interviews for care-experienced applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for safeguarding and experience in supporting vulnerable individuals.
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 include:- 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.
Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applicants.
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, and 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.
If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment. You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier.
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs (unless specified on the advert). Please fully complete the online application form.
IDVA: Frontline Safeguard for High-Risk Victims employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of high-risk victims while benefiting from a culture that values diversity, professional development, and collaboration with partner agencies. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on community safety, Sefton Council offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic and compassionate setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IDVA: Frontline Safeguard for High-Risk Victims
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of domestic violence support, especially those who work with Sefton Council. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a potential referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding processes and multi-agency collaboration. We want you to show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges faced by high-risk victims.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to risk assessment and case management. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Sefton Council.
We think you need these skills to ace IDVA: Frontline Safeguard for High-Risk Victims
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for supporting vulnerable individuals and your commitment to safeguarding. Share your personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to tailor your answers to the specific responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with managing complex cases and working collaboratively with partner agencies. This shows us you understand what the role entails!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills in risk assessment and case management. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve effectively prioritised workloads and advocated for service users. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Follow the Application Process:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you complete the online application form fully. Double-check for any errors before submitting, as attention to detail is key in this role. Good luck, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the role, such as managing high-risk cases and working within multi-agency environments. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the position.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past experiences where you've successfully supported vulnerable individuals or managed complex cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will show the interviewers that you have the practical skills needed for the job.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an IDVA, you'll need to communicate effectively with both service users and partner agencies. During the interview, practice clear and concise communication. Be prepared to discuss how you would advocate for clients and share information appropriately while maintaining confidentiality.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability
This role can be challenging, so it's important to convey your ability to thrive under pressure. Share examples of how you've handled stressful situations in the past and how you prioritise tasks when faced with competing demands. This will reassure the interviewers that you're equipped to manage the complexities of the role.
