Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) - Multiple Opportunities

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) - Multiple Opportunities

Oldham Office-Based

£24.90 per hour (Umbrella)

Initial 3-Month Contract Potential Extension for a Further 3 Months

Immediate Start Required

As an IDVA, you will act as an independent advocate, ensuring that victims of domestic violence and abuse are at the heart of the service. You will support individuals, including those who have had to leave their homes and move into safe temporary accommodation, while ensuring that the voice and safety of children are central to intervention planning where domestic abuse is a factor within the household. You will lead on the delivery of bespoke interventions for high and medium-risk victims, using appropriate assessment tools alongside the DASH risk assessment to identify risk, determine need and develop robust safety plans.

You will be responsible for:

• Providing specialist, victim-centred support to high and medium-risk victims of domestic abuse
• Completing risk assessments and developing effective safety and support plans
• Managing complex cases and responding dynamically to changing levels of risk
• Supporting and advocating for victims through criminal and civil justice processes
• Ensuring high-risk cases are appropriately referred into the MARAC process
• Attending MARAC meetings and advocating on behalf of victims to ensure their needs and wishes are reflected in action plans
• Undertaking visits, including joint visits with partner agencies where appropriate
• Supporting victims and families to remain safe and reduce identified risks
• Providing advice around housing rights, legal options and available protective measures
• Undertaking homelessness assessments in line with the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Supporting households to access safe temporary and longer-term accommodation
• Working closely with housing providers, police, Early Help teams and other partner agencies
• Acting as an independent advocate to ensure victims can access the services and support they are entitled to
• Supporting victims to access services available under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Identifying safeguarding concerns and escalating risks appropriately
• Promoting the aims and objectives of the Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy
• Providing specialist advice and support to professionals working with households where domestic abuse is identified or suspected

To be considered, you must have previous IDVA experience. This is essential.

• Proven experience supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse
• Experience working with high and/or medium-risk cases
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of risk assessment and safety planning
• Experience working within a multi-agency environment
• Knowledge of MARAC processes and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals through complex and challenging circumstances
• Knowledge of housing legislation and homelessness duties
• An understanding of child protection and safeguarding responsibilities
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills
• The ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively
• A proactive yet empathetic approach to supporting victims
• The confidence to challenge, influence and advocate across partner agencies

Please Note Previous IDVA experience is essential for these positions.

Due to the immediate requirement, candidates who are available to start quickly will be prioritised.