Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We are currently looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the DRIVE team in London, working 37.5 hours a week. This role involves both face-to-face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working. You will work from home and at the Victim Support Office on Singer Street.

Benefits

At Victim Support we offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• 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 & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role

This role is based in London with hybrid working. As a DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
• Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
• Work within a multi agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

Qualifications & experience

• Knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• An understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Experience of direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Good communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understanding and being committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.