At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse, providing crisis intervention and advocacy.
- Company: Join Solace Women’s Aid, a feminist organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, training opportunities, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of families affected by domestic violence.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and strong casework management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 29200 € per year.
Job Description
Location: Bexley (Hybrid) (Bexley office and co-location/ hybrid working may change with demands to service)
Salary: Unqualified Applicants £28,255 - £29,913 per annum
Qualified Applicants £29,923 - £32,623 per annum
(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Closing Date: Friday 31st October 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 Family 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
The Bexley SASS team provides advocacy and support to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse living in Bexley. An exciting opportunity has arisen in this busy team for a Family IDVA. This includes a package of support covering crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. A key aspect of the role will be to advocate on behalf of service users pursuing remedies through the criminal and civil justice systems.
About the Role
Independent Domestic Abuse Advocates provide a proactive service to survivors of domestic abuse identified as being at high risk of imminent harm.
As a Family IDVA your focus will be supporting survivors with two or more children. You will carry out risk and needs assessments, safety planning and support planning with survivors and advocate on their behalf with external agencies. You look at the children’s needs and signpost them to appropriate services.
You will support the family (where safe) to remain in their own home with the support of Solace’s Sanctuary Scheme to ensure the risk is reduced and/or negated or you will advocate on their behalf for appropriate safe accommodation.
You will hold a caseload for up to three months and will provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning; engaging them in other services for additional support.
About You
You will need 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.
As women we know that we don’t always apply for jobs unless we meet all of the criteria. If this applies to you, we ask that you consider using the supporting statement to show us how you believe your experience and skills will enable you to do the role, and how you think we might support you to develop in the role.
You will be highly organised, self-motivated, and passionate about ending gender-based violence. You will have a “can-do‟ approach and demonstrable commitment to Solace’s feminist approach to supporting women and their children to be safer. You will receive training and support for this role, as necessary.
What we can offer you
We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:
- 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.
Family Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) in Bexley 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 Bexley, the organisation offers flexible working arrangements, a strong focus on employee development, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday entitlement and access to wellness programmes. Joining our team means being part of a passionate community committed to ending gender-based violence and making a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) in Bexley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of domestic violence support, especially those who work as IDVAs. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching common questions for IDVA roles. Think about how your experiences align with the values of Solace Women’s Aid and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! In your conversations and interviews, express why you’re committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Share your understanding of the impact of domestic violence on families and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Solace Women’s Aid.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) in Bexley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting survivors of domestic abuse shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role matters to you!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences match the job profile. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of domestic abuse and your ability to provide effective support.
Be Honest About Your Experience:If you don’t meet every single criterion, don’t sweat it! Use your supporting statement to explain how your unique experiences can contribute to the role. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives, so share what makes you, you!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solace Womens Aid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on families. Brush up on the key principles of being survivor-led and trauma-informed, as these are crucial to the role. Familiarise yourself with Solace Women’s Aid's values and how they align with your own.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and support planning. Think about times when you've successfully advocated for clients or navigated complex situations, as these stories will resonate well during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how the organisation supports its staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. The team is looking for friendly and diligent individuals, so show them your passion for ending gender-based violence and your commitment to supporting survivors. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!
