At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adult victims of domestic abuse and manage incoming referrals.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to building stronger communities.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for training and professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse workforce dedicated to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our established IDVA team as part of the Community department at Sefton Council, offering support to adult victims of domestic abuse. You will be experienced in working within the field of domestic abuse and committed to providing a quality service to vulnerable victims as part of a crisis intervention response. You will also be part of the Council’s plan for building stronger communities working collaboratively within our localities.
This role provides an opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the best possible outcomes for our communities and for you to play an active role, having excellent communication and liaison skills are essential. You will be in regular contact with victims, colleagues across the Council and a range of external agencies. The role is primarily focused on duty and triage, acting as the first point of contact for individuals referred into the service. The successful candidate will manage incoming referrals, liaise with a range of professionals, complete initial screenings, and proactively encourage victims/survivors to engage with support. Strong organisational and time‑management skills are essential to prioritise enquiries and respond within required timescales. The post holder will also be expected to travel independently and work from different locations across the borough as needed.
What you will need to succeed:
- The successful applicant will need an understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse, preferably experience of working with victims at high risk of harm and have an IDVA accreditation or willingness to undertake training as part of the role.
- Excellent organisation skills and the ability to prioritise and work under pressure with empathy for those you are supporting are also essential to the role as it will involve completing risk assessments, safety plans and working with partner agencies to develop multi‑agency plans to support victims effectively.
Your confident and connected Borough Sefton is a vibrant local authority on a journey of aspiration and ambition as it works towards delivering its exciting 2030 Vision. This journey is shared with our partners and communities as we strive to ensure Sefton is a confident and connected Borough. Sefton has a strong track record of partnership working and for having a motivated and dedicated workforce that is resilient and adaptable, it puts the Council in the best possible place to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
If this is you, we look forward to receiving your application for this role. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2013. Please note, this is a fixed term post until 25th January 2027.
Closing Date: 13/03/2026
Expected Shortlisting Date: 19/03/2026
Provisional Interview Date: 25/03/2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. 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.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: 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.
Consider registering for Sefton@work: 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. Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CV’s (unless specified on the advert). Please fully complete the online application form.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. As part of the IDVA team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable victims of domestic abuse while benefiting from a strong culture of collaboration and professional development. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on building stronger communities, Sefton Council offers a rewarding career path in a vibrant and connected borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the domestic violence support field, attend local 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 practising common questions related to domestic abuse scenarios. Think about how you'd handle specific situations and be ready to share your experiences. This will show you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, highlight examples of how you've managed multiple cases or worked under pressure. This is crucial for the IDVA role, so make sure they see you as someone who can juggle responsibilities 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 Sefton Council and contributing to the community. Let's get you that IDVA role!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting victims of domestic abuse shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community and have the experience to back it up.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to tailor your answers to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially those related to crisis intervention and working with vulnerable individuals. This will help us see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
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. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so give it a go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of domestic abuse dynamics and the role of an IDVA. Brush up on relevant legislation, support services, and best practices in crisis intervention. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your organisational and time-management skills. Think of specific examples where you've successfully prioritised tasks under pressure or managed multiple cases. This will show that you can handle the demands of the role effectively.
✨Empathy is Key
Be ready to talk about how you approach working with vulnerable individuals. Share experiences that highlight your ability to empathise and connect with victims. This is crucial for building trust and rapport, which are essential in this line of work.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the role involves collaboration with various agencies, be prepared to discuss your experience in partnership working. Highlight any previous roles where you've liaised with external organisations, as this will show your ability to work within a multi-agency framework.
