JOB TITLE:                            Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

REPORTING TO:                Senior IDVA

PLACE OF WORK:             Warwick House, Northampton

HOURS:                             37 hours per week

SALARY SCALE 6:              £30,783 - £32,772

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Voice for Victims and Witnesses supports victims and witnesses of crime who reside in Northamptonshire.  Voice for Victims and Witnesses provide the management of the Counties partnership funded Sunflower Centre.  The role of IDVA involves providing a pro-active service to victims of domestic abuse who have been assessed as high-risk within a multi-agency setting. The work of the IDVA is distinct in that it assesses risk and delivers a tailored service which aims to address the safety needs of victims and any children and/or dependents.  IDVA’s advocate on behalf of their clients, ensuring that they remain at the centre of all that we do, providing advice and support from the point of crisis and referring on to relevant agencies once the risk has reduced.  The IDVA aims to support clients to improve their safety, to support their recovery and to achieve long term safety and reduce repeat victimisation.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide a responsive and pro-active service to victims of domestic abuse to keep them and their children safe.
2. To assess the risks and complete safety planning based on the risk identified in the risk assessment, including the DASH. Offer immediate safety planning and crisis intervention, as well as ongoing support to promote long term safety and making ongoing referrals where required. 
3. To develop individualised safety and support plans that are tailored to the individual needs of the client.
4. Identify both immediate and longer-term support and safety needs and provide a tailored response, ensuring safe pathways to further support wherever possible.
5. Provide emotional and practical support and information to victims including around housing, health, financial, civil remedies and criminal justice options and potential outcomes to clients and advocate on their behalf, ensuring that the victim is at the centre of all that we do.
6. To support clients through the Criminal Justice System, explaining processes, outcomes and the victims’ rights, including participating in the Specialist Domestic Abuse Court.
7. To complete required referrals to MARAC and to actively participate in the MARAC process, ensuring that the client remains at the centre of all that we do.
8. Prioritise and organise workloads within a dynamic and fast paced setting.
9. To work in a multi-agency setting, working in partnership with agencies, advocating for the victim to ensure that relevant support is offered. This includes advocating for clients and any children or dependants and proactively engaging with all agencies with the aim of promoting victim safety and disrupting and managing perpetrator behaviour.
10. Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of both adults and children including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and Safeguarding Adults Board.
11. Record all contacts with victims securely and accurately on Voice database systems, in accordance with procedures for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
12. Refer regular difficulties that clients are experiencing to the Senior IDVA and contribute to efforts to improve procedures and services.
13. Respect and value the diversity of the community and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of victims, ensuring the service and your approach is accessible to all.
14. Ensure that the standards and procedures of Voice are observed, particularly those relating to safe practice, confidentiality, safeguarding, information sharing and case management

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

1. Previous experience of working within a statutory, voluntary, community, private social care or customer service environment, supporting victims of domestic abuse, successfully managing conflict, difficult and sensitive situations. Demonstrable ability to influence people, whilst remaining professional and impartial.
2. Proven record of building positive working relationships with partner agencies, understanding the roles and remits of them, and experience of working effectively in seeking joint solutions to meet the needs of clients in a timely and pro-active manner.
3. High level of understanding of the complexities of domestic abuse and the dynamic and fluid nature of risk, along with the barriers faced by those experiencing this.
4. Clear and current understanding and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and legislation relating to domestic abuse, child protection, safeguarding and civil law, as well as knowledge and awareness of both local and National agencies and resources.
5. Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, adhering to deadlines and delivering results through effective planning and organisation of own workload, demonstrating the ability to prioritise and manage demands, even under pressure.
6. Demonstrate the ability to respond to change in the working environment by showing a willingness to adapt and be flexible in changing circumstances, seeking advice from others when change occurs and maintaining work standards as circumstances change.
7. Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality and safe working practice.
8. Ability to demonstrate level of awareness of equality and diversity issues appropriate to this role.

Desirable

1. To have achieved the SafeLives IDVA qualification, or to be willing to work towards accreditation.
2. Proven record of delivering tailored training packages.
3. Experience of working directly with victims of domestic abuse, completing individualised support and safety plans and referring to relevant agencies.
4. A sound understanding of statutory safeguarding procedures both nationally and locally.

Skills and abilities

Essential

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrating an ability to confidently relate to a broad spectrum of people in a tactful and sensitive manner.
2. The ability to demonstrate empathy and control own emotions.
3. Good knowledge and experience with Windows based computer applications and use of databases within a working environment.
4. Able to work flexibly.
5. Experience of diverse team working, demonstrated by an understanding of how own objectives fit into team objectives. Builds effective working relationships with a flexible attitude to team roles.

Desirable

1. Promote the interests and values of Voice and therefore Sunflower Centre and MARAC.
2. Demonstrate sound problem-solving skills and ability to make appropriate judgments and decisions, offering practical ideas and innovative solutions but, knowing when to refer upwards for a decision.
3. Experience of working within a multi-agency setting, partnership working and a clear record of building strong working relationships to work to a common goal.
4. Knowledge of Northamptonshire Police and Partner Agency IT systems.

NOTE:

The job description reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder and identifies a level of responsibility at which the post holder will be required to work.  In the interests of effective working major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and circumstances.  Such reviews and other consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder.  The post holder will be also required to carry out such other duties as may be determined from time to time to be within the general scope of the post.

Please note all applicants must have been resident in the U.K for 3 years prior to applying.

A current full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is a requirement for this role.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:

The appointment will be full time and subject to the conditions of service of Voice for Victims and Witnesses.

The annual leave entitlement is 24 days with an additional 5 days after 5 years continuous service.

Whilst the core base of work is clearly stated in this job description there may be occasions when flexibility is required to cover staff (leave or illness), or high case loads, at another base in Northamptonshire. Currently staff are working remotely, with the aim of moving to flexible working that will involve some days of working remotely and others within the office.