Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Victim Support is recruiting for a Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support victims of domestic abuse, based at Bedford Hospital. This is a full time role on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2027.

What we offer

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days plus bank holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday and options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity and paternity payments
• High street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment and leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans
• Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career development and progression

About the role

The IDVA will support victims of domestic abuse who are inpatients or outpatients of Bedford Hospital. The role will be part of a wider specialist services network covering Bedfordshire.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the safeguarding team and a range of other hospital departments
• Provide high quality support and advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse
• Manage a caseload; identify and assess risks and needs, and provide a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support
• Work with other agencies and advocate on behalf of service users to help them access services and keep them safe
• Operate within a multi agency framework, including partners, MARAC and other local partnerships, to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse
• Promote the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through training delivery

Qualifications

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous
• Ability to prioritise work and manage competing or conflicting demands and values, and promote organisational interests and values
• Ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victims/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community setting

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required. We celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are an antiracist organisation and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.