Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor

We are seeking a dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to play a vital role in identifying, assessing, and supporting victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, with the aim of enhancing their safety and the safety of their families.

This includes supporting individuals who have additional vulnerabilities due to physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, learning difficulties, substance misuse, or other complex and compounding needs.

If you have strong organisational skills, the talent to genuinely negotiate and inspire others to embrace a shared vision, and approach challenges with a dedicated, methodical mindset – we would like to hear from you

Salary: £36,363 to £39,152 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Location: County Hall North, Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham, RH12 1XH

Interview Date: Monday 01 December 2025

This role requires the successful candidate to travel independently to various venues, council locations, and family homes across the County, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes available.

Regular attendance at your base location will also be necessary, and there will be opportunities for remote work. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the successful candidate.

This is essential for working closely with colleagues and families, offering them the vital face-to-face support they deserve.

About the Job

Our work in the Community Safety and Wellbeing team brings a unique experience each day, filled with unexpected challenges and rewards There are several key responsibilities that are likely to be integral to this role, including:

• Provide direct support to clients who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and abuse, ensuring they receive appropriate services and have access to necessary support.
• Critical task of managing crises for victims and survivors at high risk, providing compassionate, trauma-informed support and advocacy that prioritises the safety and well-being of the victim/survivor and their children.
• Operate within a multi-agency setting, ensuring that clients' safety remains a central priority in all coordinated responses.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partner agencies to deliver the highest quality service to victims and survivors.
• Deliver comprehensive training to professionals and stakeholders to enhance understanding, awareness and impact of domestic abuse.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the community, then this role is perfect for you.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant degree qualification in a related field or demonstrated experience, whether paid or voluntary, in supporting individuals in stressful and challenging circumstances.
• Safelives IDVA qualification or a willingness to pursue this accreditation.
• A full, valid UK driving licence.
• Demonstrable experience working in a multi-agency environment to support victims and survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.
• Excellent crisis management skills, demonstrating the ability to respond calmly and effectively to clients in highly sensitive, challenging, or complex situations.
• Experience of working compassionately with vulnerable people and diligently managing a complex, varied caseload.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, and to provide clear, empathetic, and informed guidance while upholding professional boundaries.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

Rewards and Benefits

We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 27 days annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years' service, plus the opportunity to buy additional leave and an excellent local government pension scheme

A range of discounts give our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CPP01246.

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Anna Leith

For issues or queries regarding your application please contact .

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV and cover letter.

Your cover letter should:

• Outline your motivations for applying.
• Explain the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the attached job description).

Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application helppage.

RSi

LOCATION

Horsham area

CONTRACT TYPE

Permanent

JOB TYPE

Community Development

CLOSING DATE

22 November 2025