Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Description:

Role:               Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Based:            Sandwell

Rate:               Unqualified £(phone number removed) Qualified £(phone number removed)

Start Date:      ASAP

Duration:        Permanent

Hours:             37.5 hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Our client, a specialist Domestic Violence charity based in the Black Country is looking to recruit an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to provide a high quality frontline domestic abuse support service to those at high risk of harm.

Synopsis of duties:

Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide pro-active, short to medium term crisis interventions to increase their personal safety (and that of any children) and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights

Provide direct casework support, advice, information and empowerment to individuals experiencing DVA through telephone contact and face to face meetings

Advocate for and work with high risk victims of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe

Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist

Take referrals via drop-ins and telephone contact, gathering information regarding the victim and their circumstances, assessing the information, agreeing needs and identifying risk

Recognise, respect and address the needs of service-users who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the advocacy service, including those from hard to reach groups

Support the empowerment of victims, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives

Facilitation of group work, as and when needed, to raise awareness of the dynamics of domestic abuse and empower victims to live free from abuse

Attend criminal and civil court with clients when required, so that they feel supported and are aware of the process

To be an active member of multi-agency networks and meetings, such as child protection conferences and core groups, maintaining good communications with other professionals involved and advocacy for the victim

Prepare reports to feed into MARAC and other operational safeguarding forums. Attendance to present cases at MARAC may be required on an ad hoc basis

Attend regular case review meetings in order to communicate information regarding cases and, in particular, share information around high risk cases

Ensure that any issues in relation to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults are brought to the immediate attention of the Senior IDVA/manager.

Essential Requirements:

Experience of working with vulnerable adults and children, acknowledging safeguarding concerns and responding appropriately

Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse in a professional capacity

Experience of managing a caseload of vulnerable individuals

Experience of managing complex casework, including issues such as child abuse, mental health, substance abuse, working with trauma in adults and children and crisis intervention

Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency