At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower women and children facing domestic abuse through advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: Next Link, a leading provider of domestic abuse services in Bristol.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, health programmes, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering women and children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Understanding of domestic abuse impacts and experience in crisis management.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 30024 £ per year.
We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our short-term intensive team based in Bristol. You will join us on a Fixed Term Contract basis to 31/03/2028, working full-time 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday), and in return you will receive a competitive salary of Point 12 £28,598 (unqualified) or Point 15 £30,024 (qualified) per annum plus benefits.
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. With a focus on survivor’s safety and recovery; we believe the provision of flexible support tailored to survivor’s needs can be transforming, helping to maximise independence and self-determination so survivors can make informed choices.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
- Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
- 3 extra holidays including International Women’s Day
- Excellent development and training opportunities
- Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
- Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Health and Wellbeing programme
About the role
We are looking for a Female* IDVA to join the team and work within a dynamic, fast paced short term intensive advocacy and support service.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* IDVA:
- Responding to emergency/crisis situations to women and children experiencing domestic abuse
- Providing support, advice, advocacy, signposting and direct intervention
- Providing short term support (up to 4 weeks); advising women on criminal justice/and civil remedies
- Empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery
- Some evening and Saturday working on a rota basis and participation in an out of hours telephone on-call rota
This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.
What we are looking for in our ideal Female* IDVA:
- An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on women and children
- The ability to deal with and diffuse crisis and emergency situations in an effective manner
- Experience of risk assessment, co-producing risk management and safety plans
- Experience of managing own caseload
- A full driving licence and access to transport
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering female victims of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us as our Female* IDVA and contribute to the valuable work Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
Female* Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Next Link in Bristol employer: Women's Aid Federation of England
Next Link is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and children affected by domestic abuse in Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and personal growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in a dynamic and compassionate environment.
Contact Details:
Women's Aid Federation of England Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female* Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Next Link in Bristol
✨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 Women's Aid Federation of England.
✨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 Women's Aid Federation of England!
✨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 Women's Aid Federation of England, 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 Women's Aid Federation of England 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 Female* Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Next Link in Bristol
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 Women's Aid Federation of England:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Women's Aid Federation of England! 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 Women's Aid Federation of England
✨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.
