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Independent Domestic Violence Advocate


Job Location:

Bootle - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 30 September 2026 (9 days ago)
Application Deadline: 28 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) 6 Month Contract

Location: Trinity Road Bootle Merseyside L20 3NJ
Rate: 26.17 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid / Agile Working
Office Attendance: Minimum 2 Days Per Week at Meadows
DBS: Enhanced DBS with Childrens & Adults Barred Lists Required
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Sefton Council is in search of a dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to deliver specialized support and advocacy for high-risk domestic abuse victims. As part of the Community Safety & Engagement Service your role will involve providing immediate crisis intervention conducting risk assessments and developing safety plans to ensure the safety of victims and their families. You will operate within a multi-agency framework including MARAC and safeguarding partnerships to ensure victims receive comprehensive support and access to essential services. This position is ideal for an experienced IDVA committed to making a difference in the lives of domestic abuse victims through collaborative efforts with partner agencies.

Responsibilities

Victim Support & Advocacy

  • Offer proactive short to medium-term support to high-risk domestic abuse victims.
  • Conduct thorough risk and needs assessments using established tools.
  • Create and implement personalized safety and support plans.
  • Assist victims in understanding their options and making informed decisions.
  • Advocate for victims to secure necessary services and support.
  • Empower victims to regain control and enhance their safety outcomes.
MARAC & Multi-Agency Working

  • Identify and refer appropriate cases to MARAC.
  • Prepare and present case information for MARAC meetings.
  • Attend multi-agency meetings and execute agreed-upon actions.
  • Collaborate with:
    • Police
    • Health Services
    • Housing Providers
    • Childrens Services
    • Adult Safeguarding Teams
    • Voluntary Sector Organizations
Safeguarding

  • Adhere to safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults.
  • Engage in safeguarding meetings and case discussions.
  • Apply relevant safeguarding legislation and procedures.
  • Make necessary referrals when concerns arise.
Criminal Justice & Legal Support

  • Guide victims through criminal justice processes.
  • Clarify legal housing civil and criminal options available to victims.
  • Assist victims in understanding their rights and protections.
  • Provide insights into court processes and criminal investigations.
Case Management

  • Manage and prioritize a complex caseload.
  • Maintain accurate and current case records.
  • Ensure compliance with confidentiality GDPR and information governance standards.
  • Participate in case reviews and service improvement initiatives.
Awareness & Training

  • Support the delivery of domestic abuse awareness sessions.
  • Attend community engagement and promotional events.
  • Contribute to staff training and awareness-raising activities as needed.
Essential

Requirements
Requirements:

  • Qualified IDVA or recognized Domestic Abuse qualification.
  • Proven experience in the domestic abuse sector.
  • Experience in conducting risk assessments and safety planning.
  • Experience managing a complex caseload.
  • Experience advocating for vulnerable individuals.
  • Experience working in a multi-agency setting.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Domestic Abuse legislation
    • Safeguarding Adults
    • Safeguarding Children
    • MARAC processes
    • Risk assessment frameworks
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong report writing and record-keeping abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
Mandatory

  • Full UK Driving Licence.
  • Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
  • Enhanced DBS with Childrens & Adults Barred Lists.
  • Ability to travel across Sefton as needed.
  • Willingness to work occasionally outside standard office hours.
Desirable

  • Experience in delivering training or awareness sessions.
  • Experience supporting victims through criminal justice proceedings.
  • Knowledge of local domestic abuse services and partnership arrangements.
Whats on Offer

  • 26.17 per hour (Umbrella)
  • 6 Month Contract
  • Hybrid / Agile Working
  • Minimum 2 Days Per Week Office Based
  • Enhanced DBS Required
  • Full Driving Licence & Vehicle Required
  • Bi-weekly Pay
  • Opportunity to support high-risk victims and make a meaningful impact within the community.
  • Work as part of a well-established domestic abuse and safeguarding partnership network.
  • Varied role combining advocacy safeguarding risk management and partnership working.
This role is suitable for candidates with experience as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) Domestic Abuse Practitioner MARAC IDVA Domestic Violence Advisor Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Practitioner Safeguarding Practitioner Victim Advocate or Domestic Abuse Support Worker.


Required Skills:

Essential Requirements Qualified IDVA or recognised Domestic Abuse qualification. Proven experience working within the domestic abuse sector. Experience carrying out risk assessments and safety planning. Experience managing a complex caseload. Experience advocating on behalf of vulnerable individuals. Experience working in a multi-agency environment. Strong knowledge of: Domestic Abuse legislation Safeguarding Adults Safeguarding Children MARAC processes Risk assessment frameworks Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong report writing and record keeping abilities. Experience using Microsoft Office and case management systems. Mandatory Requirements Full UK Driving Licence. Access to a vehicle for work purposes. Enhanced DBS with Childrens & Adults Barred Lists. Ability to travel across Sefton as required. Ability to work occasionally outside normal office hours. Desirable Requirements Experience delivering training or awareness sessions. Experience supporting victims through criminal justice proceedings. Knowledge of local domestic abuse services and partnership arrangements. Whats on Offer 26.17 per hour (Umbrella) 6 Month Contract Hybrid / Agile Working Minimum 2 Days Per Week Office Based Enhanced DBS Required Full Driving Licence & Vehicle Required Bi-weekly Pay Opportunity to support high-risk victims and make a meaningful impact within the community. Work as part of a well-established domestic abuse and safeguarding partnership network. Varied role combining advocacy safeguarding risk management and partnership working. Suitable for candidates with experience as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) Domestic Abuse Practitioner MARAC IDVA Domestic Violence Advisor Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Practitioner Safeguarding Practitioner Victim Advocate or Domestic Abuse Support Worker.