Independent Domestic

**The First Step**

**Job description - Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA)**

**Location**:The Old Schoolhouse, St. Johns Road, Huyton

**Hours**: 35 hours per week

**Salary**: £27, 996.40

**Responsible to**:IDSVA Manager

**Job Purpose**:
The IDSVA Service provides support and advocacy to clients who have been assessed as high risk of serious harm or murder from a current partner, ex-partner or family member. IDSVA’s work directly with a client to identify their risk factors and create a safety plan to address, manage and reduce their risks whilst increasing their safety. IDSVA’s provide information, advice and support based on the individual’s needs on a short to medium term basis. Support is provided on variety of issues such as addressing the safety of the client and any children (personal and environmental), support through the Civil and Criminal Court process, Child Protection and Safeguarding and Housing. IDSVA’s also attend Knowsley MARAC (Multi
- Agency Risk Assessment Conference) and advocate on behalf of the client with other agencies and organisation; Police, Social Services, Housing Providers, Probation/Prisons, Education, Health Practitioners and others including voluntary sector organisations.

**Key areas of work**:

- Provide a pro-active service offering information, support, advice and advocacy to victim/survivors of domestic abuse to increase their safety.
- Assess the level of risk using the Merseyside Risk Indicator Toolkit (MeRIT)
- Refer cases to MARAC, represent and advocate for clients at bi-monthly MARAC meetings.
- Work in partnership with MARAC partner agencies and other relevant agencies to complete actions agreed and keep clients informed of progress. Including making referrals and signposting to other agencies as needed.
- Keep relevant agencies updated about any important/ significant changes to the client’s situation. Also liaising with partner agencies and advocating on behalf of the client with any feedback or barriers to accessing support.
- Ensure clients are aware of their full range of options and resources available to them with an emphasis on civil, criminal, legal and housing options so they can make informed choices.
- Agree an individual safety plan with clients and ensure actions are completed.
- Accompany clients to meeting and appointments as and when they require support.
- Support clients through the Criminal Justice System; explaining procedures and support available such as special measures and updating on outcome of court hearings/cases.
- Support clients through the Civil Courts process.
- Assist the Senior IDSVA with completing monitoring and evaluation requirements of The First Step.
- To be aware of the legal framework relating to the protection of children and safeguarding adults including the policy and procedures of The First Step and The Local Safeguarding Children and Adults Boards.
- Be responsible for and keep up to date records of petty cash transactions.
- Help, Develop and Support Equality Practices.

**General**

The job description is a representative document. Other reasonably similar duties may be allocated from time to time commensurate with the general character of the post and it’s grading.

All staff are responsible for the implementation of the Health & Safety Policy as far as it affects them, colleagues and others who may be affected by their work. The post holder is also expected to monitor the effectiveness of the health and safety arrangements and systems to ensure appropriate improvements are made where necessary.

Since confidential information is involved with the duties of this post, the post holder will be required to exercise discretion at all times and to observe relevant codes of practice and legislation in relation to data protection and personal information.

Undertake and participate in training, coaching and development activities as appropriate.

This post is **exempt** from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. You are therefore **not **entitled to withhold information about convictions which for any other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provisions of the ACT and any failures to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by The First Step. Any information given will be completely confidential and will be considered only in relation to the positions to which the Order applies.
Principal Terms & Conditions
- Starting salary, paid monthly, £27, 996.40
- Employer pension contribution of 6%
- 35 hours per week
- Business mileage allowance of 45p per mile
- 25 days annual holiday pro rata for part time plus statutory bank holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Clinical Supervision

All employees must successfully complete an Enhanced DBS

**Job and Person Specification**

**Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate**

**Criter