Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

About the role

Freeda provides services for women and their children affected by domestic abuse, including a 24/7 helpline, a safe house, outreach, child and young people services and counselling. This full-time role offers advice, guidance and emotional support to victims, develops and implements safety and support plans to reduce risk, promotes Freeda's work and raises awareness through advocacy. Applications are open to qualified IDVAs and to candidates with relevant experience in safeguarding, advocacy, social care, housing, mental health, education or criminal justice who wish to develop into this specialist role. The post holder must be female.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and assess risks and needs of clients using an approved evidence-based checklist, and provide a proactive short- to medium-term crisis intervention service through safety planning and personal support
• Manage a case load as the key worker for clients seeking ongoing support, tailoring each client's service
• Empower clients to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and help them regain control of their lives
• Provide support in one-to-one meetings and on the emergency 24/7 helpline
• Carry out periodic case reviews, signpost or close cases, and liaise with police, education, GPs, health visitors, social services and other agencies, accompanying clients to meetings where appropriate
• Attend safeguarding meetings, write reports, refer and signpost clients, and support self-development groups for clients and their children
• Raise awareness at community events and support the Prevention Team's educational work in schools, colleges and clubs, and multi-agency campaigns
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records, comply with data protection and confidentiality, complete at least 20 hours of CPD per year, and ensure the safe house remains secure

Required profile

• Essential: 5 GCSEs/O'Levels including Maths and English
• Essential: Adult and children safeguarding training (SPB foundation level at minimum)
• Essential: IDVA qualification
• Desirable: counselling qualifications to at least Level 2 CPCAB or equivalent experience
• Experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse and working in partnership to safeguard others

Required skills

• Understanding of domestic abuse, its impact on adults and children, and of the remit of statutory bodies and voluntary agencies
• Risk assessment, safety planning and risk management
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and advisory skills
• Crisis management, caseload management and excellent computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and databases
• Desirable: session planning, face-to-face and online training, and group facilitation