Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated person to join our team in Avon & Somerset team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) dealing with Adolescent and Child to Parent Violence (APV/CPV). The service provides support across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset.

This role involves making initial contact with victims of adolescent and child to parent violence and providing initial support in a dynamic and ever changing environment. The role is part time and is hybrid working both from home and our office in Bristol (a suitable and confidential workspace at home is required).

What we offer

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

You will provide high quality support to all victims of APV/CPV, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also provide cover for the local VS Helpline. Note: due to the nature of the contract, an IDVA qualification is considered an essential requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of APV/CPV victims using an evidence based risk identification checklist.
• Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro active, short to medium term crisis intervention service. Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
• Work with victims of APV/CPV to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe. Develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Work within the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adult and Children's Boards.
• Provide advocacy and information to victims, including exploration of legal and civil options, housing, health and finance and support clients through the criminal justice system.
• Support the empowerment of the client.
• Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures, as well as all legislation connected to your work.

About you

• A good command of the English language both verbally and in writing.
• A good understanding of APV/CPV and/or domestic abuse including the impact of these on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• Understand safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims of domestic abuse or APV/CPV.
• Experience of working within a multi agency and legislative framework.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, to prioritise work and deal with competing demands.
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.
• Good communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• To hold an IDVA qualification.

Precise note: duties may differ from those listed. This provides an indication of duties.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving licence and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you have a disability, please indicate this in your application so we can explore alternative arrangements.

Legal and Equality Statements

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.

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.

We are committed to being an antiracist organisation and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.