Trainee Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Reducing the Risk is an Oxfordshire-based charity committed to the safety and empowerment of victims of abuse and of those who support them - and to promoting partnership working. The charity acts as a safe, trustworthy, responsive and inclusive resource for victims and their families, through its services in Oxfordshire, and for volunteers and practitioners nationally through its consultancy and training. In particular, it has developed the High Risk and Specialist Criminal and Civil Justice IDVA Service and Reducing the Risk’s DA Champion Network approach.

The charity plans to grow and develop its services across all of its current areas of work and this post will be vital to supporting and driving that change program.

**Responsibilities**

**Role of the Specialist Criminal and Civil Justice IDVA/Court-Based IDVA**
- Provide high-quality telephone or face-to-face information, advocacy and support to domestic abuse victims who may need to, or be attending either criminal or civil court, or following the granting of a DVPO.
- Be available periodically throughout the week in Oxfordshire courts so that victim-survivors can be directed by Ushers, CPS and Judges for immediate support.
- Provide support and advice in respect to risk management and safety planning, criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, and children’s legislation.
- Refer onto other relevant agencies to ensure ongoing safety of the victim-survivor and children.
- Attend Court when required to represent the needs and wishes of the victim where known.
- Provide victims with information, advocacy and support as cases progress through the criminal justice system, ensuring special measures are in place and supporting them to give impact statements, maximising their safety to help them give best evidence, reducing barriers to accessing justice and accompanying women to court where necessary.
- Advise victims of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, making referrals and co-ordinating the provision of multi-agency support where necessary, and proactively advocating to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised.
- Work proactively and in cooperation with the police and other criminal justice professionals to keep the victims perspective and safety at the centre of proceedings, maintain referral routes and increase access and earlier intervention, and to promote the successful and safe use of the criminal justice system.
- Participate in multi-agency conferences in respect of children and adults at risk as required, providing reports and undertaking actions as necessary.
- Work in partnership with key agencies particularly Thames Valley Police.

**General Responsibilities**:

- Represent and be an ambassador for Reducing the Risk
- Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Reducing the Risk including all adult and child safeguarding responsibilities.
- Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
- Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity throughout Reducing the Risk
- Some hybrid working is available as agreed with the SM, however, the post holder will be in the office as and when required by the needs of the charity.

**Person Specification**

**Experience**
- Relevant degree, demonstrable equivalent experience, a vocational qualification, or a willingness to undertake relevant study will be welcomed.
- Experience, of working with people experiencing domestic abuse / attending court or supporting people in a front-line service.
- Experience or willingness to learn about working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
- Experience or willingness to learn and understand of safeguarding procedures in relation to children and vulnerable adults.
- Experience of risk assessment, safety planning and developing support plans in partnership with service users.
- Working knowledge of legislation relevant to victims and children including criminal and civil remedies, housing legislation, welfare benefits and immigration legislation
- Knowledge of issues and barriers experienced by all domestic abuse victims
- Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
- Have strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.
- Working knowledge of using IT: the Microsoft Office Suite, websites and key social media platforms
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Show initiative and be proactive when managing your caseload and interacting with your clients and agencies you’re working with.
- Working knowledge of data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all legislation connected to your work.
- Knowledge and understanding of both MARAC and the local pathways.

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