Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

As a Health/ Hospital IDVA you will provide a domestic abuse service to victims who have been identified via the hospital and NHS employees.

Initially the role will include guiding and supporting health professionals at the hospital on the identification and referral route in the service. Yourrole will also focus on embedding routine enquiry in domestic abuse by working alongside health professionals; and from there in you will directlysupport any victims who are identified whilst in the care of ELHT services. You will undertake and regularly review risk assessments, developsafety and support plans and assist victims with signposting into other relevant support services.

The role will also have a key relationship and bepart of the ELHT Safeguarding Team.

You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agency relationships, attending MARRAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety,confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safetyand which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.

Please see job description attached, which outlines the main duties of this role. If you have any queries about this please do not hesitate tocontact us.

At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom areinternationally renowned and have won awards for their work.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to work as a key member of the Hospital Safeguarding Team, with additional professional support from local specialist Domestic Abuse Services.

You will hold a recognised formal IDVA qualification or have an extensive portfolio working as an IDVA. This must be evidenced within your application.

Experience of working as a Hospital IDVA is desirable, and knowledge and understanding of the role is essential. You must be confident in your role, and able to make decisions about complex situations.

You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agency relationships, attending MARAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety,confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safety and which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.

MAIN DUTIES Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims identified through hospital services using an evidence-based risk identification checklist. Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individualsafety planning and personal support. Liaise with local Domestic Abuse providers for their provision of continued support in line with initial safety plans following dischargefrom hospital.

Accept joint working arrangements with local Domestic Abuse providers for individuals who may benefit from support from the hospitalIDVA whilst under the care of ELHT. Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:
1. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how yourrole fits into them.
2. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing,health and finance.
3. Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plansare coordinated particularly through the MARAC. Manage a case load for an agreed timeframe ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in theirsituation, and help them regain control of their lives.

Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi agency setting which will include preparation and participationat the MARAC. You will contribute interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining an independent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response. Be proactive with your designated line manager/ professional lead in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk andabuse Access supervision from other Domestic…