At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of gender-based violence with guidance and practical help.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at the Gaia Centre in Lambeth, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours and a commitment to safety and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors and empower them to reclaim their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 29701 - 29701 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) to join our team in Lambeth, London.
Location: Lambeth, London
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (Until March 2027)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. Operating hours of the service 8am-6pm Monday-Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8-4pm or 10-6pm to cover duty shifts.
In this role, the Duty IGVA will be working closely with survivors of domestic and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support, guidance and advice to survivors across all risk levels and their children. The Duty IGVA will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre by other professionals. The Duty IGVA will also be responsible for processing any self-referrals of individuals contacting the service and wishing to access support.
The Duty IGVA will be responsible for responding to daily enquiries from partnership agencies, public and impacted individuals over the phone and email. In some circumstances, the Duty IGVA will be contacting survivors directly to assess their level of risk and needs to ensure eligibility. The Duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs assessments. The Duty IGVA will ensure an effective handover of the case to the relevant team for ongoing support.
The Duty IGVA will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The Duty IGVA will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.
The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety. The job also involves working in a fast-paced environment.
Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing Date: 09:00am 21 July 2026
Interview Date: 30 and 31 July 2026
Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) Refuge Refuge employer: Women's Aid Federation of England
The Women's Aid Federation of England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the communities they serve. Located in Preston, this role provides unique opportunities for professional growth in the field of domestic abuse support, alongside benefits such as exclusive discounts and health support, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of high-risk victims.
Contact Details:
Women's Aid Federation of England Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) Refuge Refuge
✨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 Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) Refuge Refuge
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.
