At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-risk victims of domestic abuse with tailored advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: Victim Support, a leading organisation dedicated to helping those affected by domestic abuse.
- 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 for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in support and advocacy is a plus; relevant qualifications are advantageous.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Victim Support is recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support predominately high risk victims of domestic abuse in Central Bedfordshire. This full‑time role is on a fixed‑term contract until 31/3/27 and offers hybrid working.
What we offer:
- Flexible working options including hybrid
- 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
- 5% employer pension 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:
As an IDVA you will be providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse in Central Bedfordshire, working as part of a wider specialist services network covering Bedfordshire.
Key responsibilities:
- Providing support and advocacy to victims of domestic abuse
- Managing a caseload; assessing risks and needs, delivering tailored crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support
- Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users to access services that keep them safe
- Coordinating with partners such as MARAC and local partnerships within a multi‑agency framework
- Promoting the service and raising awareness of domestic abuse through training delivery
Requirements:
- Experience of support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse (advantageous)
- Ability to prioritise work, manage competing demands and promote organisational values
- Preferably hold SafeLives IDVA accreditation, a relevant degree, vocational qualification, or relevant experience in statutory, voluntary or community settings with domestic abuse victims or service users
EEO statement:
Victim Support commits 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 celebrate diversity, are an antiracist organisation, and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet essential criteria and will make reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in England employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Independent Domestic Violence Advocates in Central Bedfordshire. With generous benefits such as 28 days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of high-risk victims of domestic abuse. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for career progression, makes us a 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 England
✨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 England
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.
