IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor)

RESPONSIBLE TO: OPERATIONAL MANAGER The role of IDVA involves providing a pro-active service to all victim survivors of domestic abuse who have been assessed as high-risk within a multi-agency setting.

The work of the IDVA is distinct in that it assesses risk and delivers a tailored service which aims to address the safety needs of victim survivors and any children and/or dependents. The IDVA will advocate on behalf of the victim survivor, ensuring that they remain at the centre of all that we do, providing advice and support from the point of crisis and referring on to relevant agencies once the risk has reduced.

The IDVA aims to support clients to improve their safety, to support their recovery and to achieve long term safety and reduce repeat victimisation.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide a responsive and pro-active service to victim survivors of domestic abuse to keep them and their children safe.

2. To assess the risks and complete safety planning based on the risk identified in the risk assessment, including the MeRIT (Merseyside Risk Indicator Toolkit).

3. Offer immediate safety planning and crisis intervention, as well as ongoing support to promote long term safety and making ongoing referrals where required.

4. To develop individualised safety and support plans that are tailored to the individual needs of the victim survivor.

5. Identify both immediate and longer-term support and safety needs and provide a tailored response, ensuring safe pathways to further support wherever possible.

6. Provide emotional and practical support and information to victims including around housing, health, financial, civil remedies and criminal justice options and potential outcomes to clients and advocate on their behalf, ensuring that the victim is at the centre of all that we do.

7. To support victim survivors through the Criminal Justice System, explaining processes, outcomes, and their rights.

8. To complete required referrals to MARAC and to actively participate in the MARAC process, ensuring that the client remains at the centre of all that we do.

9. Prioritise and organise workloads within a dynamic and fast paced setting.

10. To work in a multi-agency setting, working in partnership with agencies, advocating for the victim survivor to ensure that relevant support is offered. This includes advocating for them and any children or dependants and proactively engaging with all agencies with the aim of promoting victim survivor safety and disrupting and managing perpetrator behaviour.

11. Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of both adults and children including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Childrens Board and Safeguarding Adults Board.

12. Record all contacts with victims securely and accurately on IDVA database systems, in accordance with procedures for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

13. Respect and value the diversity of the community and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of victim survivors, ensuring the service and your approach is accessible to all.

14. Ensure that the standards and procedures of Local Solutions IDVA are observed, particularly those relating to safe practice, confidentiality, safeguarding, information sharing and case management

1. Previous experience of working within a statutory, voluntary or community environment, supporting victim survivors of domestic abuse, successfully managing conflict, difficult and sensitive situations.

2. Experience of working directly with victims of domestic abuse, completing individualised support and safety plans, and referring to relevant agencies.

3. Proven record of building positive working relationships with partner agencies, understanding the roles and remits of them, and experience of working effectively in seeking joint solutions to meet the needs of victim survivors in a timely and pro-active manner.

4. A thorough of understanding of the complexities of domestic abuse and the dynamic and fluid nature of risk, along with the barriers faced by those experiencing this.

5. Clear and current understanding and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and legislation relating to domestic abuse, child protection, safeguarding and civil law, as well as knowledge and awareness of both local and National agencies and resources.

6. Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, adhering to deadlines and delivering results through effective planning and organisation of own workload, demonstrating the ability to prioritise and manage demands, even when under pressure.

7. Demonstrate the ability to respond to change in the working environment by showing a willingness to adapt and be flexible in changing circumstances, seeking advice from others when change occurs and maintaining work standards as circumstances change.

8. Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality and safe working practice.

9. Ability to demonstrate level of awareness of equality and diversity issues appropriate to this role.

DESIRABLE:

1. To have achieved the SafeLives IDVA qualification, or to be willing to work towards accreditation.

2. Proven record of delivering tailored training packages.

3. A sound understanding of statutory safeguarding procedures both nationally and locally.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

ESSENTIAL:

1. All applicants must have been resident in the U.K for 3 years prior to applying.

2. A current full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is a requirement for this role.

3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrating an ability to confidently relate to a broad spectrum of people in a tactful and sensitive manner.

4. Good knowledge and experience with Windows based computer applications and use of databases within a working environment.

5. Experience of working within a multi-agency setting, partnership working and a clear record of building strong working relationships to work to a common goal

The appointment will be Permanent Fixed Term for 18 months full time and subject to the conditions of service of Local Solutions.

- Hybrid/agile working is not possible due to the requirements of this role

- Salary: £29,426

- The annual leave entitlement is 23 days