Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) you will provide high‑quality support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. Your role will focus on delivering support in five key areas to help victims feel safer, informed, heard, equipped with healthy coping mechanisms, and connected with relevant services.

• Provide appropriate non‑therapeutic support to victims via their preferred contact method.
• Carry out needs and risk assessments to develop tailored safety and support plans.
• Use the bespoke case‑management system to maintain accurate and confidential records and contribute to outcome collection.
• Work with police, social services, CPS and other agencies on behalf of clients, maintaining confidentiality with their consent.
• Provide information to enable victims to make informed choices about future options.
• Advocate for older people, ensuring their voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements are understood by all organisations.

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse, violence and its impact on victims.
• Experience working with victims of crime, preferably domestic abuse, including completing risk assessments and safety planning.
• Experience managing a caseload and keeping clear case‑management records.
• Ability to adapt communication styles to effectively engage clients.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and its application.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim’s Code.
• Awareness of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements.
• Good IT skills, including experience with bespoke case‑management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Organised and methodical approach, able to plan, prioritise and organise workload.

We have four full‑time IDVA positions available on a fixed‑term basis for one year with potential for extension. The role is full‑time, hybrid with two days per week expected to work from our centrally located office in Boscombe, and requires regular travel across Dorset.

A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential for this role. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application so we can explore alternative arrangements.

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements.
• Generous annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy or sell leave.
• Birthday leave: an extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome bonus: £500 on successful completion of the probation period.
• Pension plan with 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced sick, maternity and paternity payments.
• Exclusive discounts across retail, holiday, gym, entertainment and leisure.
• Access to the financial wellbeing hub and salary‑deducted finance.
• Wellbeing support through an employee assistance programme.
• Inclusive networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable travel incentives: cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career development with ongoing training and support for progression.