Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

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Recruitment Services are seeking an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) for our client based in Bootle Merseyside.

To provide a high quality frontline service to high risk victims of domestic abuse to help keep them safe and to advocate on their behalf. To work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse.

• Provide pro-active short to medium term crisis intervention support and advice to victims of domestic abuse to help keep them and their children safe.
• Identify and assess the risks and needs of service users using an evidence based risk identification checklist.
• Follow procedures to ensure service users are offered appropriate support according to risk level and their individual needs, and where necessary forward referrals on to other appropriate services.
• Undertake safety planning with service users, and where appropriate work with other agencies to put these plans into place.
• Develop individual safety and support plans to meet the individual risks and needs identified for each service user.
• Advocate on behalf of service users to help them access the services they need and are entitled to and to help keep them and their children safe.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of service users who may face additional barriers to accessing support.
• To support the empowerment of victims/survivors, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives.
• Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to service users and empower them to make their own choices.
• Support service users through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system.
• Refer service users who meet the criteria on to MARAC, participate in the MARAC framework, complete MARAC updates, attend and participate in meetings, and follow-up on actions agreed.

• IDVA or a related domestic abuse qualification
• Full UK driving license and access to own transport for business use.
• Enhanced DBS
• Demonstrable Knowledge of:
  • Domestic abuse legislation and safeguarding frameworks (e.g., Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014)
  • Civil, family, and criminal justice processes, including protective orders and special measures
  • Risk assessment tools such as DASH and safety planning frameworks
  • Understanding of trauma-informed practice and the intersectional needs of victims
• Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4
  
  Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.