Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Job
-C067-26 | NHS AfC:
Band 5 |

Contract:

Fixed term, 12 months (01/04/2026 – 31/03/2027) |

Hours:

22.5 per week – Part time | Site:
Burnley General Hospital, Burnley | Salary: £32,073–£39,043 pro‑rata (£) per annum (Closing 01/07/2026 23:59)

As a Health / Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), you will provide a domestic abuse service to victims identified via the hospital and NHS employees. Initially you will guide and support health professionals on identification and referral, embed routine enquiry in domestic abuse, and then directly support identified victims in the care of East Lancashire Hospitals Trust. You will undertake risk assessments, develop safety and support plans, assist signposting, and coordinate with the ELHT Safeguarding Team.

• Main duties – Identify and assess risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence‑based risk identification checklist.
• Prioritise high‑risk cases, provide crisis intervention, individual safety planning and personal support.
• Liaise with local Domestic Abuse providers for continued support following discharge from hospital.
• Advocate for high‑risk victims with agencies covering statutory and non‑statutory services.
• Provide advocacy, emotional and practical support, including legal, housing, health and finance information.
• Manage a caseload ensuring appropriate individualized service for each client.
• Support empowerment, helping clients recognise dynamics of abuse and regain control of their lives.
• Participate in the MARAC, policy development and implementation of routine enquiry across ELHT services.
• Carry out periodic case reviews, supervision, and documentation in line with Trust policy.
• Provide training to health staff and raise awareness of domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour‑based violence, etc.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community, ensuring service accessibility for all.
• Additional duties as requested which are commensurate with business service delivery.

Contribute to a safe work environment; attend clinical team meetings; use communication skills to support patients, families and staff; participate in multidisciplinary and multi‑agency conferences; ensure diligent documentation; remain up‑to‑date with mandatory training and evidence‑based practice.

Ensure resources and equipment are available and maintained; record patient outcomes in a timely manner; provide quality written reports; develop usable resources; keep up‑to‑date with legislation and statutory requirements for domestic abuse; liaise with data protection and information governance professionals; manage accurate record keeping.

Experience

• Qualified IDVA, usually 2 years or extensive portfolio.
• Knowledge of the hospital & community IDVA role.
• Experience with in a hospital or community IDVA role.

Work skills

• Ability to prioritise and plan workload.
• Effective use of databases.
• Compliance with procedures.

Communication

• Clear, accurate written and verbal communication.
• IT and database proficiency.

Flexibility

• Work required hours, adapt to changing needs.

Personal skills

• Teamwork and independent working capacity.
• Sympathetic, sensitive approach; effective speaking with colleagues, staff and patients.

Learning ability

• Active development of own skills and knowledge.
• Willingness to undertake future study for professional development.

Other skills

• Initiative and independent work.
• Handling confidential information appropriately.

Practical requirements

• Access to a vehicle/transport for work purposes.

The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of staff and operates a Zero Tolerance policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background.

Applicants who have a disability meeting the essential criteria will be interviewed under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. A reasonable adjustment can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.