Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We are looking for a skilled practitioner to work in a new 'Pathfinder' team to support victims of domestic abuse going thought the Family Court process.

Advocacy and good written and verbal communication skills are essential.

This role is full time & based in Stoke-on-Trent but will be expected to travel to courts across the County. The role is initially fixed-term until 31st March 2026, but we expect further funding for the project to continue into 2026/27 and beyond.

We are looking for a skilled practitioner to work in a new 'Pathfinder' team to support victims of domestic abuse going thought the Family Court process. Advocacy and good written and verbal communication skills are essential. This role is full time & based in Stoke-on-Trent but will be expected to travel to courts across the County. The role is initially fixed-term until 31st March 2026, but we expect further funding for the project to continue into 2026/27 and beyond.

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.
• Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• 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.

About the Role

As a Family Court IDVA you will take referrals from CAFCASS to arrange support for victims of domestic abuse entering or going through family court proceedings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct support to victims of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour.
• Report writing for CAFCASS and other partners.
• Monitoring and recording activity and outcomes measured.

About You:

Ideally, you will have:

• - A good understanding around the issues of domestic abuse and its implications for children and young people
• - Knowledge of family court proceedings
• - Ability to write concise, factual, effective reports
• - Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships

You will need:

• Training for IDVA accreditation (to be provided if do not have already)

This role involves regular travel and due to the locations, 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 arrangements.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.