Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (internally known as IDVA)

Location: Covering Winchester and surrounding areas (20 hours)

Location: Portsmouth (40 hours)

Salary: £16,489.50 (£32,979 FTE)

Permanent, Full & Part Time (20 hours)

The first suitable applicant will be appointed.

PARAGON are a specialist team within The YOU Trust and our mission is ‘together empowering change’ for individuals, families, and our communities. We are committed to ending violence against adults and children, and do this through empowering individual and communities to change.

Essential Requirements:

• Nationally recognised IDVA qualification or willingness to commence/complete IDVA training within a year of appointment 

• Experience supporting women, men and children who have been subject to domestic violence and abuse on 1:1 or group work basis

• Experience and knowledge of safeguarding adults and children

• Experience of undertaking DASH RIC

• Knowledge of the function of Pathfinder and family court processes

• Knowledge of civil and criminal remedies and the legal system as it relates to those experiencing domestic abuse

• Understanding of domestic violence and abuse issues affecting families

The Role: 

The role of the MOJ IDVA is to work closely with the judicial teams, including CAFCASS, Children Social Care and others to ensure that people who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and their children, are supported via family court processes. As an MOJ IDVA you will provide high quality advocacy and support, and identifying other members of the family and children, who may be also be at risk. The role involves multi-agency working and engaging with local partners, specifically working with the commissioned domestic abuse team, and attending/preparing reports for court and other meetings such the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and other victim focused meetings.  You will provide one to one sessions, be part of a training team, write and deliver recovery group work and work in close partnerships to build sustainable relationships in our communities.

The appointed Independent Domestic Violence Advocate will:

1. Work and support the Paragon team to deliver the service in line with the service specification, KPIs and YOU processes, policies and procedures

2. Provide practical and emotional support to clients experiencing domestic violence and abuse

3. Co-produce individual safety and support plans with clients and ensure the SMART actions are carried out

4. Complete evidenced based risk assessments, such as the DASH RIC, addressing the risk of harm to each person I work with, their children and wider family

5. Be part of a team who participates and contributes to MARAC, ensuring any outcomes are communicated to the client and incorporated into any interventions and risk plans

6. Work with internal and external partners to advocate on behalf of all victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse

7. Develop and maintain effective professional working relationships both internally and externally for the best interests of clients

About You:

• You will be experienced, skilled and enthusiastic.

• You will be used to working in a fast-paced environment.

• You will be passionate about working with victims/survivors of domestic abuse

• You will work alongside our clients as an equal partner and give advice and guidance at a level matching the person’s skills and strengths.

• Developing positive working relationships with the local community and support agencies to create a network of support for your clients will be central to the work you do.

Our Benefits:

If you choose to begin a career with our organisation, you are guaranteed:

*       Competitive rates of pay and paid travel time, including a higher mileage rate for car sharing.

*       Enhanced annual leave entitlements, with the opportunity to buy and sell holiday.

*       Matched pension scheme contributions, plus Death in Service Benefit and salary sacrifice options.

*       Enhanced sick pay allowances and paid compassionate and emergency dependent leave.

*       Excellent and professionally certified training, as well as access to fully-funded apprenticeship programmes.

*       Real opportunities to develop in your profession.

*       Free health and wellbeing advice via a 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

*       Everything you need to carry out your role free of charge, which may include a mobile phone, safety equipment and other necessary technology, a uniform where applicable, and of course a nice cup of tea or coffee throughout your day!

*       Access to discounts across lots of your favourite stores and online shopping sites.

The You Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate Adult and Child protection screening, including employment references and DBS check.

Where a role involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to adults and/or children it is an offence to apply for the role if you have been barred from engaging in such regulated activity. 

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