Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Full-Time 23200 - 26000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support survivors of domestic violence through assessments, safety planning, and crisis intervention.
  • Company: Join Solace Women's Aid, an intersectional feminist organisation dedicated to empowering survivors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a focus on personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and strong casework management skills are essential.
  • Other info: This role is open to female applicants only, as per the Equality Act 2010.

The predicted salary is between 23200 - 26000 £ per year.

Location: Tower Hamlets

Salary: Unqualified: £28,255 - £29,913 per annum Qualified: £29,923 - £32,623 per annum (Dependent on qualifications/experience) (Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 17th July 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) at Solace Women's Aid. You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Tower Hamlets Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) provides advocacy and support to survivors of DVA with the aim to reduce risk and harm. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced IDVA to join our dynamic team in Tower Hamlets, working with people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team. As an IDVA you are responsible for carrying out risk and needs assessments, safety planning and providing support and intervention to victim/survivors of domestic violence identified at Poplar jobcentre. In addition to this you will build relationships with, and provide advice, guidance and training to external professionals.

About You

You will need a passion for working with victim/survivors and a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on women and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support and strong casework management skills. You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group.

In return, we offer great employee benefits including three per cent employer pension contribution, generous holiday entitlement and a focus on learning and development.

What we can offer you

  • Flexible working
  • Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
  • Generous holiday entitlement
  • Employer pension contribution
  • Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
  • Access to Inclusion Networks
  • Daily clinical debriefing
  • Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
  • Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
  • Flow & Restore yoga classes
  • Meditation sessions
  • Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document: Values, Behaviours & Competencies Knowledge, Experience and Skills.

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) employer: Solace Womens Aid

Solace Women's Aid is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering work environment for its staff. Located in Tower Hamlets, we offer flexible working arrangements, a strong focus on professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday entitlement and an employer pension contribution. Our inclusive culture, rooted in feminist values, ensures that every employee feels valued and has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors of domestic violence.
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Contact Detail:

Solace Womens Aid Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the principles of trauma-informed care and survivor-led support. Understanding these concepts will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the values that Solace Women’s Aid upholds.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the domestic violence sector. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others in the field, as this can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations for your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific casework experiences during your interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported victims of domestic violence, highlighting your crisis intervention skills and ability to conduct risk assessments.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the local community in Tower Hamlets and understand the unique challenges faced by its residents regarding domestic violence. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and show your genuine interest in making a difference in the area.

We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Understanding of domestic violence and abuse
Risk assessment skills
Safety planning expertise
Emotional support provision
Practical support skills
Strong casework management
Crisis intervention techniques
Ability to build relationships with clients and professionals
Training and guidance delivery
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
Empathy and active listening skills
Advocacy skills
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
Commitment to feminist and intersectional principles
Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on families

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). Familiarise yourself with the key skills and experiences required, such as crisis intervention, risk assessments, and support planning.

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: In your Supporting Statement, explicitly address how your values, knowledge, and experience align with the job profile. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your understanding of domestic abuse and your ability to support survivors.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in similar roles or working with vulnerable populations. Detail your casework management skills and any training you've received that relates to the position.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Solace Womens Aid

✨Understand the Role and Values

Make sure you have a solid grasp of what an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor does and the core values of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to being survivor-led, trauma-informed, and anti-discriminatory, as these principles will likely come up during your interview.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in domestic violence support or similar roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully carried out risk assessments, safety planning, or provided emotional support to survivors. This will demonstrate your capability and understanding of the role.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they measure success in their advocacy work. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.

✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills

In addition to technical skills, focus on your soft skills such as empathy, communication, and crisis management. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in past situations, as they are crucial for working effectively with survivors of domestic violence.

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Solace Womens Aid

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