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Always Active

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated people to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate's (IDVA).

The roles is full time and offered on a hybrid working basis with two days per week from our centrally located office in Boscombe. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicants would be expected to travel regularly across the Dorset county.

As an IDVA, you'll support victims at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We're looking for someone who is compassionate, adaptable, and committed to providing excellent advocacy and support through a trauma-informed and person-centred approach. You'll be passionate about empowering survivors, building trust, and helping individuals make informed choices while ensuring their safety and wellbeing remain at the heart of your work.

Area of Business

Operations

Number of Vacancies

Location or Function

Dorset

Full time/Part time

Full time

Hours per week

37.5

Work schedule

Office hours are 8:00 am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. Shifts are 8:00am to 4:00pm, 9:00am to 5:00pm, and 10:00am to 6:00pm

Basic Salary

Qualified- £29,583.00 per annum Unqualified- £27,752.00 per annum

Contract type

Fixed Term

DBS required?

Enhanced

End date (if fixed term)

12 months from start date

Police vetting required?

Closing Date

07/10/2026

Ref No

6949

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
Birthday Leave:An extra day off for your birthday.
Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression, an IDVA qualification
Clinical supervision:to promote reflective practice and wellbeing

About the role

As a IDVA you will provide high quality support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. You will deliver and provide support in five key areas to support victims to:

Feel safer
Feel informed about their rights and the criminal justice system
Feel listened to and heard
Be able to implement healthy coping mechanisms
Be connected with services who are available to help them
Ideally, you will hold an approved and accredited IDVA qualification (or you must be willing to work towards one)

You will need

A strong understanding of domestic abuse and violence and the impact this has on victims.
Experience of working with victims of crime (preferably domestic abuse) including completing risk assessments and safety planning
Experience of managing a caseload and keeping clear case management records
Experience of adapting communication styles to be able to effectively communicate
An understanding of trauma informed practice and how to implement this within your work
A through understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim's Code
An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements
Good IT skills including experience with working within bespoke case management systems and using Microsoft Office Packages
Organised and methodical approach to work with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangement

About Us

How to apply

Previous applicants for this position will not be considered.

If you would like to discuss the role prior to applying, please contact us on 0300 140 0092