Senior LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Purpose of the Role
The Senior LGBTQIA+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will lead the day-to-day delivery of Switchboard’s specialist domestic abuse advocacy service.
The postholder will support and line manage the IDVA team, maintain high standards of risk assessment and safety planning, and ensure that support remains survivor-led, trauma-informed and affirming of each person’s identity.
The role is the first point of advice and escalation for complex risk, safeguarding and information-sharing decisions. The postholder will hold a reduced caseload of high-risk or complex cases and provide cover where needed, while protecting sufficient time for supervision, case oversight and service quality.
Working with the Domestic Abuse Service Manager, the Senior IDVA will strengthen partnerships across Sussex, represent Switchboard in multi‑agency settings and use service data and survivor feedback to improve access and outcomes.
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £33,000–£35,000, depending on experience
Reports to: Domestic Abuse Service Manager
Location: Brighton & Hove
Contract: One-year fixed-term contract
Key Responsibilities
Service Leadership and Delivery
- Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the IDVA service and allocate work fairly, taking account of risk, urgency, complexity, staff capacity and continuity for survivors.
- Ensure consistent completion of risk assessments, safety plans, safeguarding actions, referrals, MARAC submissions and advocacy with partner agencies.
- Review caseloads and case records regularly, with particular attention to high-risk cases, changes in risk, professional disagreement, disengagement and cases involving counter-allegations.
- Hold a reduced caseload of high-risk or complex cases and provide skilled short- to medium-term advocacy based on individual risk, safety, choice and recovery goals.
- Support inclusive outreach and early engagement across LGBTQIA+ communities, with attention to people who experience additional barriers to recognition or support.
Safeguarding, Risk and Crisis Response
- Act as the operational lead for advice on adult and child safeguarding, information sharing and immediate risk management, escalating to the Service Manager or statutory partners where required.
- Ensure staff understand and follow organisational safeguarding procedures, local pathways and lawful information‑sharing practice.
- Lead coordinated responses to crisis situations, serious incidents and significant changes in risk, ensuring decisions, rationales and actions are recorded clearly.
- Support learning after serious incidents, complaints and near misses, and ensure agreed changes are embedded in practice.
Staff Leadership and Supervision
- Provide regular line management, practice supervision, case review and workload oversight for staff reporting to the post.
- Create a reflective and accountable team culture in which staff can discuss uncertainty, bias, wellbeing and the emotional impact of high-risk work.
- Support recruitment, induction, probation, appraisal, performance management and staff retention in line with Switchboard policies.
- Identify learning needs and arrange coaching, shadowing, training or other development activity. Share current practice guidance and legal updates with the team.
- Plan cover and business continuity so that survivors receive clear information and urgent risks are responded to during staff absence.
Quality Monitoring and Service Development
- Maintain accurate and timely case recording and ensure files meet organisational, funder, data‑protection and professional standards.
- Use case audits, supervision, performance information, survivor feedback and outcome data to identify strengths, gaps and improvement priorities.
- Ensure practice complies with relevant legislation and guidance, including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, safeguarding duties, data‑protection requirements and local information‑sharing arrangements.
- Work with the Service Manager to develop an accessible service that recognises intersectional needs and responds to changing patterns of demand across Sussex.
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Senior LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Switchboard employer: Women
Next Link is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic abuse, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in South Gloucestershire. With generous benefits such as up to 30 days annual leave, excellent training opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we foster an environment where staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career that prioritises your growth and development.
