Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) – 6 Month Contract

Location: Trinity Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 3NJ
Rate: £26.17 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid / Agile Working
Office Attendance: Minimum 2 Days Per Week at Meadows
DBS: Enhanced DBS with Children's & Adults' Barred Lists Required
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Sefton Council is in search of a dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to deliver specialized support and advocacy for high-risk domestic abuse victims. As part of the Community Safety & Engagement Service, your role will involve providing immediate crisis intervention, conducting risk assessments, and developing safety plans to ensure the safety of victims and their families. You will operate within a multi-agency framework, including MARAC and safeguarding partnerships, to ensure victims receive comprehensive support and access to essential services. This position is ideal for an experienced IDVA committed to making a difference in the lives of domestic abuse victims through collaborative efforts with partner agencies.

Responsibilities

Victim Support & Advocacy

• Offer proactive, short to medium-term support to high-risk domestic abuse victims.
  
• Conduct thorough risk and needs assessments using established tools.
  
• Create and implement personalized safety and support plans.
  
• Assist victims in understanding their options and making informed decisions.
  
• Advocate for victims to secure necessary services and support.
  
• Empower victims to regain control and enhance their safety outcomes.
  

MARAC & Multi-Agency Working

• Identify and refer appropriate cases to MARAC.
  
• Prepare and present case information for MARAC meetings.
  
• Attend multi-agency meetings and execute agreed-upon actions.
  
• Collaborate with:
  • Police
    
  • Health Services
    
  • Housing Providers
    
  • Children's Services
    
  • Adult Safeguarding Teams
    
  • Voluntary Sector Organizations
    

Safeguarding

• Adhere to safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults.
  
• Engage in safeguarding meetings and case discussions.
  
• Apply relevant safeguarding legislation and procedures.
  
• Make necessary referrals when concerns arise.
  

Criminal Justice & Legal Support

• Guide victims through criminal justice processes.
  
• Clarify legal, housing, civil, and criminal options available to victims.
  
• Assist victims in understanding their rights and protections.
  
• Provide insights into court processes and criminal investigations.
  

Case Management

• Manage and prioritize a complex caseload.
  
• Maintain accurate and current case records.
  
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, GDPR, and information governance standards.
  
• Participate in case reviews and service improvement initiatives.
  

Awareness & Training

• Support the delivery of domestic abuse awareness sessions.
  
• Attend community engagement and promotional events.
  
• Contribute to staff training and awareness-raising activities as needed.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified IDVA or recognized Domestic Abuse qualification.
  
• Proven experience in the domestic abuse sector.
  
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and safety planning.
  
• Experience managing a complex caseload.
  
• Experience advocating for vulnerable individuals.
  
• Experience working in a multi-agency setting.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Domestic Abuse legislation
    
  • Safeguarding Adults
    
  • Safeguarding Children
    
  • MARAC processes
    
  • Risk assessment frameworks
    
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Strong report writing and record-keeping abilities.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
  

Mandatory

• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
• Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
  
• Enhanced DBS with Children's & Adults' Barred Lists.
  
• Ability to travel across Sefton as needed.
  
• Willingness to work occasionally outside standard office hours.
  

Desirable

• Experience in delivering training or awareness sessions.
  
• Experience supporting victims through criminal justice proceedings.
  
• Knowledge of local domestic abuse services and partnership arrangements.
  

What's on Offer?

• £26.17 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 6 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid / Agile Working
  
• Minimum 2 Days Per Week Office Based
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Full Driving Licence & Vehicle Required
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to support high-risk victims and make a meaningful impact within the community.
  
• Work as part of a well-established domestic abuse and safeguarding partnership network.
  
• Varied role combining advocacy, safeguarding, risk management, and partnership working.
  

This role is suitable for candidates with experience as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), Domestic Abuse Practitioner, MARAC IDVA, Domestic Violence Advisor, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Practitioner, Safeguarding Practitioner, Victim Advocate, or Domestic Abuse Support Worker.