Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA EK)

Overview

In this role you support victims and survivors of domestic abuse with trauma-informed, personalised safety planning and advocacy. You will assess risk, coordinate with police, housing and health services, and manage a complex caseload to improve safety and outcomes. You will contribute to the Barnet Domestic Abuse Support Hub (BDASH) and uphold safeguarding, legal and service standards. You will work across agencies to reduce re-traumatisation and strengthen multi-agency responses. This is an impact-focused opportunity to advance victims’ rights and access to protection.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed emotional and practical support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse
• Conduct comprehensive risk and needs assessments using DASH
• Develop and review individual safety and support plans
• Undertake proactive casework including home visits and outreach
• Support victims through criminal, civil and family justice processes
• Advocate for housing, health, social care, legal services and other agencies
• Ensure access to safe accommodation, refuge, legal advice, healthcare, and specialist services
• Record victims' views and ensure accurate representation
• Tailor risk-reduction interventions to individual circumstances
• Identify safeguarding concerns and respond promptly
• Balance risk and protective factors within legal/professional frameworks
• Attend safeguarding, Child in Need, Child Protection and Adult and Family reviews
• Engage in MARAC, MAPPA and other multi-agency forums
• Share information compliant with DPA and UK GDPR
• Coordinate multi-agency interventions to ensure consistent responses
• Maintain caseload in line with complexity and resources
• Prepare intervention plans, risk assessments, case summaries and professional reports
• Deliver awareness training to colleagues and partners
• Contribute to BDASH service development and strategic meetings
• Identify emerging trends and contribute to service improvements
• Produce written and verbal reports for courts and safeguarding forums
• Ensure data protection compliant case records
• Commit to equality, diversity and inclusion

Key requirements

• Level 3 regulated qualification in supporting victims of domestic abuse (e.g., SafeLives IDVA training)
• Min 2 years’ post-qualification experience with victims of domestic abuse
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance
• Experience managing complex domestic abuse cases
• Experience undertaking risk assessments and safety planning
• Experience multi-agency working and safeguarding processes
• Experience supporting victims through criminal, civil and/or family justice processes
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014 knowledge
• DASH risk assessment methodology, MARAC processes
• Data protection and information-sharing requirements (UK GDPR)

• Trauma-informed communication
• Assertive outreach and engagement
• Effective written and verbal communication
• DASH risk assessment methodology
• MARAC processes
• Data Protection Act and UK GDPR compliance

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