Independent Domestic Violence Advocate; HSN IDVA)

High Support Needs Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (HSN IDVA)

Job Title: High Support Needs Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (HSN IDVA)

Location: Hybrid: a combination of working from Catching Lives Homeless centre, the Rising Sun office in Canterbury, and in the community

Hours:

3 days (22.5 hours) per week

Salary: £26,228 – £30,790 pa FTE, pro-rated to £15,767 – £18,474 for part time hours

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months with the potential for extension

Responsible to: HSN IDVA Manager

Probation Period: 4 months

Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rata), 3% matched pension contribution, employee benefits scheme

Closing date: 30th September 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so you are advised to apply early, as we may close the application window early if we find the right person

Start date: As soon as possible

Other info: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

Overview

Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors, so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse.

Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 50 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other  encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

Job Purpose

As one of our High Support Needs IDVAs, you will be part of our experienced and dedicated adult team reporting to the HSN IDVA Manager covering the Canterbury District area, and your role will include a mixture of working from Catching Lives homeless centre, community and office working. You’ll be providing a high-quality, frontline service to survivors of domestic abuse and play a crucial role in advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning and empowerment for our clients with more complex needs.

You will assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse which are impacting their situation and help them to regain control of their lives. You will support them to make informed and safe choices and to move forward. You will provide a weekly drop-in at Catching Lives and will co-work with clients as appropriate.

Alongside working with survivors, you will develop and maintain productive relationships with partner organisations to strengthen multi-agency working and improve service outcomes for survivors. As the HSN IDVA, you will provide enhanced casework support to individuals within the EHCF client group, delivering support in community settings, in partnership with agencies such as Porchlight and the RSI team, and remotely via telephone where appropriate.

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting people who is confident, resilient and can build strong relationships.

You will have experience of delivering domestic abuse interventions…