Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) - AR
Posted 1 day 9 hours ago by Carrington Blake Recruitment
Location: Colindale
Directorate: Family Services
Service Area: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Organisation: London Borough of Barnet
The Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) provides high-quality, independent, and trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse who are at risk of harm. The post holder works across statutory and community settings to improve safety, reduce risk, and advocate for the needs and rights of victims.
The IDVA plays a key role in supporting the delivery of the borough's domestic abuse response in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the local Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.
The role involves assessing risk, delivering targeted interventions, and coordinating support for vulnerable adults, children, and families. The post holder will manage a caseload and contribute to the effective delivery of the Barnet Domestic Abuse Support Hub.
Key Responsibilities Direct Support to Victims and Survivors- Provide emotional and practical support to victims of domestic abuse.
- Conduct risk assessments using recognised tools such as the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment Risk Checklist (DASH).
- Develop and implement tailored safety and support plans based on assessed needs and risks.
- Support victims through criminal, civil, and family justice processes, including attending court where necessary.
- Assist victims in accessing safe accommodation, health services, legal advice, and other specialist services.
- Undertake proactive casework to reduce risk and increase safety, including community visits and outreach work.
- Build respectful, supportive relationships with victims and their families where appropriate.
- Identify and manage risks to victims, children, and vulnerable adults.
- Balance risk and protective factors within legislative and safeguarding frameworks.
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are addressed promptly and in line with relevant procedures.
- Apply trauma-informed approaches when supporting victims experiencing abuse.
Relevant legislation includes:
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Children Act 1989
- Care Act 2014
- Represent victims in multi-agency safeguarding meetings including
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and other forums. - Work collaboratively with professionals across housing, police, health, education, and social care.
- Share relevant information appropriately to reduce risk and promote safety in line with Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR requirements.
- Attend Child in Need, Child Protection, and Adult safeguarding meetings where appropriate.
- Act as a Single Point of Contact for victims where required.
- Advocate for victims to ensure their views and needs are heard within service planning and decision-making.
- Identify systemic barriers affecting victims and contribute to service improvement.
- Participate in strategic forums and professional networks related to domestic abuse and safeguarding.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
- Develop written intervention plans based on risk assessments.
- Regularly review and update risk and support plans.
- Prepare written and verbal reports for safeguarding meetings, courts, and partner agencies.
- Level 3 regulated qualification in supporting victims of domestic abuse (e.g. SafeLives IDVA Training or equivalent).
- Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience supporting victims of domestic abuse.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Knowledge of domestic abuse legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
- Understanding of civil, family, and criminal justice processes.
- Experience using risk assessment tools and safety planning frameworks.
- Ability to work effectively with multiple agencies.
- Strong advocacy, communication, and report-writing skills.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and the intersectional needs of victims.
- Ability to manage a complex caseload involving high-risk cases.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and victim-centred practice.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
The role involves working across a range of settings including community locations, partner agency offices, and victims' homes where appropriate. The post holder will work within a multidisciplinary team supporting the borough's domestic abuse response.