Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Job Description

4Recruitment Services are seeking an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) for our client based in Oldham.

JOB PURPOSE

• To act as an independent advocate to ensure that victims of domestic violence and abuse including those who have to leave their homes and move into safe temporary accommodation are at the heart of the service, and the voice of the child is heard where domestic violence is a factor in their household. 
• To lead on the provision of high quality bespoke interventions for high and medium risk victims of domestic violence and abuse, using appropriate assessment tools in conjunction with the DASH risk assessment to determine need and safety plan.
• To provide support in safe accommodation and assistance to eligible households under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
• To promote and work to the aims and objectives of the Domestic Violence and abuse Strategy

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• To respond dynamically to the needs of high and medium risk victims of domestic abuse, differentiating support according to the needs of the victim.
• To offer a pro-active premium practical support service to high risk victims of domestic abuse.
• To refer and ensure that victims identified as high risk are in the MARAC process and to attend MARAC to advocate on their behalf to ensure their needs and wishes are reflected in action plans.
• To undertake visits including joint visits with police officers to high risk or repeat victims of domestic abuse to encourage their engagement with services.
• To work with individuals and families who have been identified as high or medium risk victims of domestic violence and abuse, to keep themselves and their children safe, including safety planning and to develop bespoke service plans to reduce the identified risks.
• To undertake dynamic evaluations which explore; family history, family functioning, interpersonal relationships, behaviour management (self and family) barriers to education and work, barriers to independence and self-management.
• To explain housing rights, civil, criminal and legal rights, including immigration options to victims of domestic abuse and provide advice on the preparation of applications for public funding, protective and disclosure orders.
• To undertake homelessness assessments under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017), ensuring the Council is legally compliant in its duties towards victims of domestic abuse
• To work alongside other members of the Housing Options Team to secure and maintain safe temporary and move-on accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and their families, and ensure appropriate support is in place
• To support victims through the criminal and civil justice systems, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within those systems.
• To act as an independent advocate on behalf of the victim to ensure they get the services from partner agencies, to which they are entitled, and to assist them in developing their own support network.
• To identify and agree with household members a set of achievable and measurable outcomes alongside any risk management plan.
• To challenge household members, where appropriate, about behaviours which have become barriers to their own safety, independence and self-management.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Experience of working within the domestic violence arena.
• Previous experience of working directly with and supporting clients and victims.
• Experience of working with households who find services difficult to access or are service reliant
• Experience of challenging individuals from an empathic and motivated approach to produce positive outcomes
• Experience of giving advice and guidance to others, including staff in own organization and other agencies
• Experience of supporting /working with at least two of the following:

– victims of domestic abuse

– those going through the   Criminal and/or Civil Justice  System

– victims of Force Marriage / Honour Based Violence

– vulnerable people

• Enhanced DBS check

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on 0800 988 6307 or email  gpadmin@4recruitmentservices.com