Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) – 6 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

Victim Support & Advocacy

• Offer proactive, short to medium-term support to high-risk domestic abuse victims.
  
  


• Conduct thorough risk and needs assessments using established tools.
  
  


• Create and implement personalized safety and support plans.
  
  


• Assist victims in understanding their options and making informed decisions.
  
  


• Advocate for victims to secure necessary services and support.
  
  


• Empower victims to regain control and enhance their safety outcomes.
  
  

MARAC & Multi-Agency Working

• Identify and refer appropriate cases to MARAC.
  
  


• Prepare and present case information for MARAC meetings.
  
  


• Attend multi-agency meetings and execute agreed-upon actions.
  
  


• Collaborate with:
  
  
  
  • Police
    
    
  
  
  • Health Services
    
    
  
  
  • Housing Providers
    
    
  
  
  • Children's Services
    
    
  
  
  • Adult Safeguarding Teams
    
    
  
  
  • Voluntary Sector Organizations
    
    
  
  

Safeguarding

• Adhere to safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults.
  
  


• Engage in safeguarding meetings and case discussions.
  
  


• Apply relevant safeguarding legislation and procedures.
  
  


• Make necessary referrals when concerns arise.
  
  

Criminal Justice & Legal Support

• Guide victims through criminal justice processes.
  
  


• Clarify legal, housing, civil, and criminal options available to victims.
  
  


• Assist victims in understanding their rights and protections.
  
  


• Provide insights into court processes and criminal investigations.
  
  

Case Management

• Manage and prioritize a complex caseload.
  
  


• Maintain accurate and current case records.
  
  


• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, GDPR, and information governance standards.
  
  


• Participate in case reviews and service improvement initiatives.
  
  

Awareness & Training

• Support the delivery of domestic abuse awareness sessions.
  
  


• Attend community engagement and promotional events.
  
  


• Contribute to staff training and awareness-raising activities as needed.
  
  

Essential

• Qualified IDVA or recognized Domestic Abuse qualification.
  
  


• Proven experience in the domestic abuse sector.
  
  


• Experience in conducting risk assessments and safety planning.
  
  


• Experience managing a complex caseload.
  
  


• Experience advocating for vulnerable individuals.
  
  


• Experience working in a multi-agency setting.
  
  


• Strong knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Domestic Abuse legislation
    
    
  
  
  • Safeguarding Adults
    
    
  
  
  • Safeguarding Children
    
    
  
  
  • MARAC processes
    
    
  
  
  • Risk assessment frameworks
    
    
  
  


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  


• Strong report writing and record-keeping abilities.
  
  


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
  
  

Mandatory

• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
  


• Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
  
  


• Enhanced DBS with Children's & Adults' Barred Lists.
  
  


• Ability to travel across Sefton as needed.
  
  


• Willingness to work occasionally outside standard office hours.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in delivering training or awareness sessions.
  
  


• Experience supporting victims through criminal justice proceedings.
  
  


• Knowledge of local domestic abuse services and partnership arrangements.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £26.17 per hour (Umbrella)
  
  


• 6 Month Contract
  
  


• Hybrid / Agile Working
  
  


• Minimum 2 Days Per Week Office Based
  
  


• Enhanced DBS Required
  
  


• Full Driving Licence & Vehicle Required
  
  


• Bi-weekly Pay
  
  


• Opportunity to support high-risk victims and make a meaningful impact within the community.
  
  


• Work as part of a well-established domestic abuse and safeguarding partnership network.
  
  


• Varied role combining advocacy, safeguarding, risk management, and partnership working.