Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We have an exciting opportunity for a DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the team in London, working 37.5 hours a week. This role involves both face‑to‑face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, you will work from home and our office at Singer Street.

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

This role is based in London with hybrid working.

• Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
• Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+.
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

• Knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• Good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact on victims and their children.
• Understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding them.
• Experience of direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Strong communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences. Victim Support is committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

We are proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are committed to being an antiracist organisation and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so.

We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.