Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
Bexley, Greater London
About Us
Solace Women's Aid is dedicated to ending the harm caused by gender-based violence. We work with women and children, offering services that are tailored to the unique needs of survivors. Our approach is holistic and empowering, partnering with survivors to help them achieve independent, abuse-free lives.
We are now looking for a Senior IDVA to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37.5 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of up to £34,478.44 per annum
- 25 days of annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays), increasing up to 30 days, with one additional day offered after each completed year of service
- Flexible Working
- Employee Assistance Programme and a range of staff wellbeing initiatives
- Weekly yoga classes
- Employee discount platform
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Length of service awards
- A strong culture of internal progression, with a range of training and development opportunities
This is a highly rewarding and impactful role for an individual with experience working with vulnerable people and a strong understanding of MARAC protocols.
You will be instrumental in guiding our team to deliver high-quality services, ensuring that every action we take contributes to the safety and empowerment of survivors.
What's more, you'll discover a safe, positive and empowering workplace committed to your professional growth and wellbeing, with a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and encourage mindful self-care.
So, if you want to contribute to our shared mission of ending gender-based violence and help shape the future of our life-changing services, read on and apply today.
The Role
As a Senior IDVA, you will play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our service, providing high-quality support to survivors of domestic abuse and leading our team to do the same.
You'll manage a caseload of up to 20 service users, providing immediate support, conducting risk and needs assessments, organising safety planning and ensuring all work is recorded confidentially.
You will oversee the MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences) process, ensuring timely completion of research and actions, and provide line management to up to three staff members, supporting their development and wellbeing.
Additionally, you will:
- Support staff with queries and crisis management
- Foster positive working relationships with partnership agencies
- Offer advice and guidance on individual cases and pathways for survivors
About You
To be considered as a Senior IDVA, you will need:
- Demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable people
- Experience of line managing staff or volunteers
- Experience of risk assessment and management and safety planning
- Experience of building strong partnerships within a multi-agency framework
- Knowledge of, and the ability to, confidently advise on the range of options available to survivors of domestic abuse including safe housing, criminal justice and civil remedies
- A sound understanding of the practical, emotional, social and economic issues facing women and children affected by domestic violence
- A solid understanding of MARAC and its purpose including protocols
- A solid understanding of the barriers facing service users accessing services
- Sound knowledge of safeguarding for adults and children
- Strong crisis management skills
- A CAADA, Safe Lives, Women's Aid IDVA or DAPA qualification
The closing date for this role is the 26th August 2024.
Other organisations may call this role Domestic Violence Advocate, Senior Domestic Abuse Support Worker, IDVA Lead, DVA Lead, Senior Domestic Violence Caseworker, or Lead Domestic Abuse Practitioner.
Webrecruit and Solace Women's Aid are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you want to take on this rewarding role as a Senior IDVA, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.