Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (internally known as IDVA)

Location:

Somerset

Salary: £34,332pa

Contract Type:
Permanent, Full Time

PARAGON are a specialist team within The YOU Trust and our mission is ‘together empowering change’ for individuals, families, and our communities. We are committed to ending violence against adults and children and do this through empowering individual and communities to change.

• Experience of working with victims/survivors of domestic abuse or other vulnerable groups
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment, and safety planning
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and prioritise effectively
• Excellent communication and partnership-working skills
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice relating to domestic abuse
• Have or willing to work towards a recognised IDVA qualification

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), you will provide high-quality, proactive support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse who are at high risk of harm. You will carry out risk and needs assessments, develop safety plans, and provide advocacy to ensure survivors’ voices are heard within multi-agency settings.

You will work collaboratively with partner agencies including the police, housing, health, and social care to reduce risk and improve outcomes. The role requires a trauma-informed approach, strong professional boundaries, and the ability to respond sensitively to complex situations. You will empower individuals to make informed decisions and support them to access appropriate services.

• Passionate about supporting victims and committed to ending domestic abuse
• Resilient, empathetic, and able to work in emotionally demanding situations
• Confident working both independently and as part of a multi‑agency team
• Strong organisational skills with accurate record‑keeping abilities
• A proactive and solution‑focused approach to problem solving

YOUhasa strong value base, striving to be person-centred, innovative, trustworthy, can‑do and excellent at all times, so it is important that you are as passionate about these principles as we are.

• Competitive rates of pay and paid travel time, including a higher mileage rate for car sharing.
• Enhanced annual leave entitlements, with the opportunity to buy and sell holiday.
• Matched pension scheme contributions, plus Death in Service Benefit and salary sacrifice options.
• Enhanced sick pay allowances and paid compassionate and emergency dependent leave.
• Excellent and professionally certified training, as well as access to fully-funded apprenticeship programmes.
• Real opportunities to develop in your profession.
• Free health and wellbeing advice via a 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• Everything you need to carry out your role free of charge, which may include a mobile phone, safety equipment and other necessary technology, a uniform where applicable, and of course a nice cup of tea or coffee throughout your day!
• Access to discounts across lots of your favourite stores and online shopping sites.

The You Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients. Applicants must be willing to undergoappropriate Adultand Child protection screening, including employment references and DBS check.

Where a role involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to adults and/or children it is an offence to apply for the role if you have been barred from engaging in such regulated activity.

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