At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of domestic abuse in a hospital setting, providing advocacy and tailored crisis intervention.
- Company: Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28+ days leave, enhanced sick pay, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in advocacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and knowledge of domestic abuse is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Victim Support is recruiting for a Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support victims of domestic abuse, based at Bedford Hospital, with the possibility of some hybrid working. This is a full time role on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2027.
What we offer:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
- Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
This role will be part of our wider specialist services covering Bedfordshire and aims to support victims of domestic abuse who are inpatients or outpatients of Bedford Hospital. As an IDVA you will be:
- Working closely with the safeguarding team and a range of other hospital departments
- Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse
- Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support
- Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users to help them access services to keep them safe
- Working within a multi‑agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse
- Promoting the service and raising awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training
You will need:
- Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous
- Ability to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands and interests, while promoting organisational interests and values
- To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victims/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting
About Us:
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences. Victim Support is committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required. We are proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are an anti‑racist organisation and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minority communities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in Bedford employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of domestic abuse victims. With generous benefits such as 28 days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and ongoing training opportunities, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while working collaboratively within a multi-agency framework at Bedford Hospital. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member feels valued and supported, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in Bedford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from South West Community Chaplaincy!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like South West Community Chaplaincy, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at South West Community Chaplaincy or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to South West Community Chaplaincy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South West Community Chaplaincy! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Community Chaplaincy
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
