Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Job at First Light (Plymouth)

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

First Light

Location:
United Kingdom , Plymouth

Category:
Customer Service

Contract Type:
Employment contract

Salary:

25954.00 - 28002.00 GBP / Year

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Job Description:

The Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) role will deliver a proactive, person-centred and trauma-informed support service to adults experiencing high-risk domestic abuse in all its forms. The role focuses on keeping victims and their families safe through support intervention, comprehensive safety planning, and coordinated multi-agency responses. The post holder will provide a premium service to those assessed as being at the highest risk, working assertively and flexibly to engage clients, including completing face-to-face outreach in community settings and their homes where required. Clients may present with complex and multiple needs, including substance misuse, mental and physical health issues, learning needs, criminal justice involvement, and other vulnerabilities. The IDVA will work proactively within multi-agency forums, including MARAC, to assess risk, share information, and develop robust safety and support plans. Strong advocacy and partnership-working skills are essential to ensure victims are supported to access statutory and voluntary services appropriate to their risks and needs. The role requires a highly motivated and adaptable individual who can work unsupervised on a day-to-day basis, effectively prioritising and managing a complex caseload while maintaining a strong focus on victim safety, empowerment, and recovery.

Job Responsibility:

To provide a pro-active service to those experiencing high risk domestic abuse to keep them and their families safe, including access to support for the abusive person
To complete person-centred individualised risk assessments and support plans to reduce risk and identify individual needs
To deliver appropriate support in keeping with the results
To provide advocacy, emotional, practical support and information to victims to address identified risks and needs including safety planning, housing and security, online safety, separation and post separation, children, health and wellbeing, legal, financial and any other additional support needs identified
To deliver support in the community, essential face to face support in the environment which best suits the client
To manage, support and prioritise daily referrals received, ensuring timescales are met in respect of first contact
To participate in the MARAC framework including: Referring High risk victims to MARAC
Attending and participating in MARAC meetings
Following up on actions agreed in MARAC
Receiving referrals direct from MARAC
To ensure, through liaison with both the client and partner agencies, that clients receive the support they require and to which they are entitled
To understand and actively use the legal framework relating to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children through local safeguarding procedures
To support clients through the Criminal Justice System, explaining procedures, roles and rights within this
To assist the client in developing their own support networks
Where necessary, to act as a single point of contact for the client to address risk and need
To signpost clients to the most appropriate agency to meet their needs
To effectively manage a caseload
To ensure accurate and timely management of all electronic case management records within the Halo database
To follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the victim is kept central to any process
To keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in the victim’s situation
To take a proactive approach regarding professional development and requirements of the role
Work flexibly including out of hours as and when required to do so
Represent the charity and service appropriately with a broad range of organisations and individuals
To undertake any duties as may be required from time to time commensurate with the grade of the post

Requirements:

Literacy skills and experience working with databases
Hold a SafeLives IDVA training certificate, or a relevant degree, or demonstrable equivalent experience, or vocational qualification
Supporting victims of domestic abuse, or working with vulnerable people
Have a good understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children
Understand safeguarding issues (children and vulnerable adults) and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues
Understanding the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals
Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately
Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice

What we offer:

A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for a better work/life balance
A wellbeing day per financial year (1st April to 31st March)
Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases, to ensure emotional and psychological wellbeing
Health and wellbeing resources including our staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our employee engagement platform
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which includes a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support
Working for an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
May 13, 2026

Expiration:
June 08, 2026

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

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