Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We are looking for resilient and dedicated people to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate's (IDVA).

As a new service, we have 4 x full time IDVA positions available. These posts are initially offered on a fixed-term basis for one year, with the potential for extension subject to future funding. These roles are full time, working a hybrid with two days per week expected to work from our centrally located office in Boscombe. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicants would be expected to travel regularly across the Dorset county.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we’d love to hear from you…

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options
  :
  Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave
  : 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave
  :
  An extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome Bonus
  : £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• Pension Plan
  : 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances
  :
  Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts
  :
  High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing
  :
  Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support
  :
  Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks
  :
  Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel
  :
  Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development
  :
  Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

As an IDVA you will provide high quality support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. You will deliver and provide support in five key areas to support victims to:

• Feel safer
• Feel informed about their rights and the criminal justice system
• Feel listened to and heard
• Be able to implement healthy coping mechanisms
• Be connected with services who are available to help them

• Provide appropriate non-therapeutic support to victims of domestic abuse via their preferred contact method.
• Undertake needs and risk assessments to develop tailored individual safety and support plans to address the specific needs of the victim.
• Use a bespoke case management system to maintain accurate and confidential record keeping and contribute to the collection of outcomes.
• Liaise with the police, social services, CPS, and other agencies on the client's behalf, with the client's consent maintaining confidentiality.
• Provide information to victims to enable them to make informed choices about their future options, ensuring that the voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements of older people are heard and understood by all individuals and organisations.

Ideally, you will hold an approved and accredited IDVA qualification (or you must be willing to work towards one).

You will need:

• A strong understanding of domestic abuse and violence and the impact this has on victims.
• Experience of working with victims of crime (preferably domestic abuse) including completing risk assessments and safety planning.
• Experience of managing a caseload and keeping clear case management records.
• Experience of adapting communication styles to be able to effectively communicate.
• An understanding of trauma informed practice and how to implement this within your work.
• A thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim's Code.
• An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements.
• Good IT skills including experience with working within bespoke case management systems and using Microsoft Office Packages.
• Organised and methodical approach to work with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving licence and access to a vehicle is…