Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Role:
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Based:
Walsall
Rate:
Unqualified £(phone number removed) Qualified £(phone number removed)
Start Date:
ASAP
Duration:
6 month FTC
Hours:
Full Time 37.5 hours
Our client, a specialist Domestic Violence charity based in the Black Country is looking to recruit an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to provide a high quality frontline domestic abuse support service to those at high risk of harm.
Synopsis of duties:
Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide pro-active, short to medium term crisis interventions to increase their personal safety (and that of any children) and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights
Provide direct casework support, advice, information and empowerment to individuals experiencing DVA through telephone contact and face to face meetings
Advocate for and work with high risk victims of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe
Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist
Take referrals via drop-ins and telephone contact, gathering information regarding the victim and their circumstances, assessing the information, agreeing needs and identifying risk
Recognise, respect and address the needs of service-users who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the advocacy service, including those from hard to reach groups
Support the empowerment of victims, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives
Facilitation of group work, as and when needed, to raise awareness of the dynamics of domestic abuse and empower victims to live free from abuse
Attend criminal and civil court with clients when required, so that they feel supported and are aware of the process
To be an active member of multi-agency networks and meetings, such as child protection conferences and core groups, maintaining good communications with other professionals involved and advocacy for the victim
Prepare reports to feed into MARAC and other operational safeguarding forums. Attendance to present cases at MARAC may be required on an ad hoc basis
Attend regular case review meetings in order to communicate information regarding cases and, in particular, share information around high risk cases
Ensure that any issues in relation to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults are brought to the immediate attention of the Senior IDVA/manager.
Essential Requirements:
Experience of working with vulnerable adults and children, acknowledging safeguarding concerns and responding appropriately
Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse in a professional capacity
Experience of managing a caseload of vulnerable individuals
Experience of managing complex casework, including issues such as child abuse, mental health, substance abuse, working with trauma in adults and children and crisis intervention
Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency