Independent Domestic Violence Advocate at Victim Support

As a Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will be:

You may be a qualified IDVA or a Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker wanting to work alongside health professionals in a hospital environment, although we will consider applicants from other fields providing you are able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse.

Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

You will need:

• To be comfortable with running group training sessions and be willing and able to share your specialist knowledge with acute staff across the hospital.
• Have excellent communication skills, a proactive approach and the confidence to be able to influence the way in which this service is delivered are key.
• Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please note that the successful applicant will be required to sign an honorary contract with the Hospital Trust in addition to their contract of employment.

Please read the full job application for further detail.