Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the Domestic Abuse Specialist Service. They will be supporting survivors of domestic abuse in partnership with the Sussex High Harm Perpetrator Programme. This role is full time working 37.5 hours per week on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026. The role is offered on a hybrid basis, working between home, our office in Brighton, and community locations throughout East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on trauma-informed support and care?

If yes, then we’d love to hear from you

**County/Borough**
- Sussex

**Office location**
- Brighton Office

**Full time/Part time**
- Full time

**Hours per week**
- 37.5

**Work schedule**
- Monday to Friday 9-5pm

**Basic Salary**
- £26,010 unqualified. £28,050 with a SafeLives IDVA qualification.

**Contract type**
- Fixed Term

**DBS required?**
- Enhanced

**End date (if fixed term)**
- 31/03/2026

**Police vetting required?**
- No

**Closing Date**
- 22/05/2025

**Ref No**
- 6101

**What we offer**:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
- Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

**About the role**:
This hybrid role includes a combination of home, office and community-based working. You will meet regularly with clients at safe locations of their choosing. There will be travel requirements across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

**As an IDVA you will**:

- Empower survivors, supporting them to identify features and dynamics of domestic abuse
- Work with clients referred to the DASS by the High Harm Perpetrator Programme, holding a caseload of varying complexity and prioritising high risk cases for support.
- Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments
- Provide individualized safety and support plans, advocacy, practical support and information
- Participate in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), acting as the voice of the survivor and delivering on actions agreed
- Use a person-centred, survivor-focused approach, being mindful of the effects of trauma and additional barriers to access survivors of domestic abuse may experience
- Attend the monthly High Harm Panel and other mandatory conferences (including contributing to the Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination process where applicable), representing the voice of the survivor and sharing relevant information with key agencies to reduce risk and increase safety
- Assist in delivering training, and provide consultancy and advice to other agencies as required

**You will need**:

- An understanding of the issues faced by survivors experiencing domestic abuse
- A good understanding of risk assessment, safety planning & risk management for survivors of domestic abuse
- An understanding of safeguarding issues & the legal responsibilities surrounding these
- Experience of delivering services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or other vulnerable people
- Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework, including building relationships with statutory and voluntary service providers
- Experience of managing a complex caseload, prioritising work and dealing with competing demands demonstrating an organised and methodical approach to work
- Ability to deliver indvidualised safety and support plans, demonstrating sufficient knowledge of risk reduction regarding harmful practices and modern slavery
- Ability to deliver training sessions to professional agencies
- Understanding and knowledge of and active commitment to promoting equal opportunities and diversity
- Ability to self-reflect, identify own welfare needs, and put in place effective self-care strategies

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

**About Us**:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by