At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of domestic abuse with advocacy, safety planning, and emotional support.
- Company: Join Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28+ days leave, birthday off, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of victims and help transform responses to domestic abuse.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting domestic abuse victims and knowledge of risk assessments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We have a new and exciting opportunity within Victim Support to provide Domestic Abuse case management interventions across Cumbria, as part of the Drive Project. The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. They work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together they have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. They also work to advocate for systems and policy change to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Victim Support are recruiting an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to cover Westmorland & Furness. Drive is an innovative national project that aims to improve the lives and safety of victims and children, by holding high-risk perpetrators to account. The project combines case management of perpetrators with a co-ordinated multi-agency response.
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:
The role is based in Westmorland & Furness. As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will be:
- Providing a pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
- Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the DRIVE model, MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.
- Promoting the service and raising awareness of issues arising, minimising barriers and improving access to support.
You will need:
- Experience of providing support to those affected by domestic abuse
- Experience of undertaking need and risk assessments and creating safety plans
- Experience of the MARAC and other partnership processes
- Experience of multi-agency working
This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details. These posts will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
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 are 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.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised 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.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in Kendal employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes ongoing training and career development opportunities. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and supports personal growth, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive while contributing to vital social change in Westmorland & Furness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the domestic abuse support field, attend relevant 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 researching Victim Support and the Drive Project. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to domestic abuse case management and multi-agency working. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨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 the team at Victim Support and making a difference in the lives of victims.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Domestic Violence Advocate in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting victims of domestic abuse shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference and how your experiences align with the values of the Drive Project.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in domestic abuse support, risk assessments, and multi-agency work. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of the role.
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 see how you meet the essential criteria.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Drive Project and its goals. Familiarise yourself with the key issues surrounding domestic abuse, the MARAC process, and how multi-agency working operates. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported victims of domestic abuse or conducted risk assessments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their approach to advocacy, how they measure success in the Drive Project, or what challenges they face in the field. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the position.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The role requires empathy and understanding, so showing your genuine passion for supporting victims will resonate well with the interviewers. Be authentic and let them see why you're the right fit for the team.
