Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

RSR is a public safety, housing & enterprise security recruitment specialist. We assist public safety employers find the right talent. We assist all employers when they want to source public safety and enterprise security skills and experience.

RSR Justice are currently recruiting on behalf of Black Country Women’s Aid for a Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to provide a high-quality frontline support service to victims of Domestic Violence and abuse over the age of 16, with a focus on supporting those with a learning and physical disabilities.

This is a full time, permanent position, based in Sandwell and Walsall and offers a salary of £24,310.04 (unqualified)/ £26,430.04 (qualified).

Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle is required for this role.

Main Duties:

• Provide proactive short to medium term crisis interventions to increase the client’s 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, tailored interventions and empowerment to clients with disabilities experiencing Domestic Violence and abuse through telephone contact and face to face meetings. Interventions and support materials may need to be adapted depending on the nature of the client’s disability/needs.
• Advocate for and work with clients who are victims of domestic abuse and have physical and/or learning disabilities and/or and care and support needs helping them access appropriate services to keep them and their children safe.
• Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse clients using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Take referrals via drop-ins and telephone contact, gathering information regarding the client and their circumstances, assessing the information, agreeing needs and identifying risk.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of clients who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the advocacy service, including those from hard to reach groups.
• Support the empowerment of clients, 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 clients 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.
• Ensure that any issues in relation to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults are brought to the immediate attention of the Senior IDVA/manager.
• Record case work accurately and ensure that case notes are relevant and regularly updated.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualification or training equivalent to minimum level 3 education standard in a relevant topic, such as health and social care.
• Experience of working with vulnerable adults, acknowledging safeguarding concerns and responding appropriately.
• Experience of working with clients with complex needs, such as mental health, physical/learning disabilities and substance abuse.
• Experiencing of working within a supportive setting for vulnerable people, providing direct support and a needs led service, undertaking risk and needs assessments and support planning, using a variety of intervention tools.
• Experience of working/liaising within a multiagency setting with a range of stakeholders and representing clients/organization at external meetings

Role is subject to DBS check at the relevant level.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, your application has been unsuccessful.

If this role is not for you but you do know somebody who would be interested, please feel free to refer them to us! We have a "Refer A Friend" bonus scheme and we will reward you retail vouchers for any referrals who are not already known to us and are successfully placed!

Red Snapper Justice is a member of the Red Snapper Group.

The Red Snapper Group acts as an employment agency (permanent) and as an employment business (temporary) - a free and confidential service to candidates.

The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer.