Job Title: IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) - Child Focused Courts (Fixed to March 2028)
Responsible to: Service Lead/Operational Manager
This is a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of victim survivors. You'll be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to safety, empowerment, and justice.
The IDVA service provides specialist support and advocacy to victim-survivors of domestic abuse, including those assessed as being at high risk of serious harm or homicide from a current partner, ex-partner or family member. Support and advocacy are provided regardless of the victim-survivors sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability or immigration status. Within the Child Focused Courts service, the IDVA will bring specialist domestic abuse expertise into the family court process, helping to ensure domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, patterns of harm and associated risk are identified, understood and appropriately communicated throughout proceedings.
As an IDVA you will deliver a tailored, trauma-informed service addressing the safety needs of victim-survivors, their children and/or other dependants. You will provide information, advocacy, specialist risk assessment and safety planning based on individual need, working alongside victim-survivors to improve safety, reduce repeat victimisation and support longer-term safety. You will work closely with Cafcass, the Family Court, local authorities and safeguarding partners, contributing specialist domestic abuse analysis while remaining within the professional remit of the IDVA role.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide a responsive and pro-active service to victim survivors of domestic abuse to keep them and their children/families safe.
2. To assess the risks and complete safety planning based on the risk identified in the risk assessment.
3. Offer immediate safety planning and crisis intervention, as well as ongoing support to promote long term safety.
4. To develop individualised safety and support plans that are tailored to the individual needs of the victim survivor.
5. Provide practical support and information to victims in relation to housing, health, financial, civil remedies and criminal justice options
6. Actively participate in the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference, ensuring that the voice of the victim is heard.
7. To work in a multi-agency setting, working in partnership with agencies, advocating for the victim survivor to ensure that risks are identified and relevant support is offered. This includes advocating for them and any children or dependants and proactively engaging with all agencies with the aim of promoting victim survivor safety and disrupting and managing perpetrator behaviour.
8. Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of both adults and children including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Childrens Board and Safeguarding Adults Board.
9. Record all contacts with victims securely and accurately on IDVA database systems, in accordance with procedures for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
10. Undertake specialist domestic abuse risk assessments, including SafeLives DASH where appropriate and professional judgement, recognising the dynamic nature of risk and responding appropriately to escalation, post-separation abuse and changes arising during family court proceedings.
11. Identify and analyse patterns of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment, post-separation abuse, economic abuse and the use of children or family court proceedings as a means of continuing abuse or control.
12. Prepare clear, concise and evidence-based professional domestic abuse and risk summaries for use within the Child Focused Courts process, clearly distinguishing victim-survivor disclosure, information obtained from partner agencies and IDVA professional analysis.
13. Contribute specialist domestic abuse information and professional judgement to the Child Impact Report process, ensuring relevant risk, patterns of behaviour, protective factors and safety considerations are appropriately communicated while remaining within the professional boundaries of the IDVA role.
14. Recognise and respond appropriately to counter-allegations, exploring the context, pattern, impact and function of behaviour to support an informed understanding of risk and relationship dynamics, including where further multi-agency information or senior review is required.
15. Work closely with Cafcass, Family Court professionals, local authorities, police, safeguarding services and specialist domestic abuse partners, supporting timely and proportionate information sharing and coordinated risk management.
16. Provide specialist support to victim-survivors throughout their involvement with family court proceedings, recognising the potential for repeated disclosure, uncertainty and court processes to contribute to further distress or trauma.
17. Support safe participation in court proceedings, including consideration of appropriate safety planning, special measures and other reasonable arrangements where relevant to the IDVA role.
18. Maintain a child-focused approach, recognising children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right where applicable and ensuring concerns relating to their safety and wellbeing are identified and escalated through appropriate safeguarding pathways, without duplicating the statutory assessment functions of Cafcass or local authorities.
19. Maintain accurate, timely and high-quality records and monitoring information to support case management, safeguarding, quality assurance, service evaluation and contractual reporting across Cheshire and Merseyside.
20. The appointed individual will have the opportunity to work flexibly, with duties that may evolve over time to reflect changing needs and priorities. This job description serves as a helpful guide to the role.
Person Specification Essential:
1. Previous experience of working within a statutory, voluntary or community environment, supporting victim survivors of domestic abuse, successfully managing conflict, difficult and sensitive situations.
2. Experience of working directly with victim survivors of domestic abuse, completing individualised support and safety plans, and referring to relevant agencies.
3. Proven record of building positive working relationships with partner agencies, understanding their roles and remits , and experience of working effectively in seeking joint solutions to meet the needs of victim survivors in a timely and pro-active manner.
4. A thorough understanding of the complexities of domestic abuse and the dynamic and fluid nature of risk, along with the barriers faced by those experiencing domestic abuse.
5. Clear and current understanding and knowledge of domestic abuse legislation and the legal and safeguarding frameworks relevant to victim-survivors and children, including the Criminal Justice System, civil remedies, child protection and safeguarding. An understanding of the Family Court and private law children proceedings, or the ability and commitment to rapidly develop this knowledge, is essential.
6. 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 when under pressure.
7. 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.
8. Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality and safe working practice.
9. Respect and value the diversity of the community and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of victim survivors, ensuring the service and your approach is accessible to all.
10. Ensure that the standards and procedures of Local Solutions IDVA are observed, particularly those relating to safe practice, confidentiality, safeguarding, information sharing and case management
Qualified to a minimum of Level 3 in a relevant field, such as domestic abuse, safeguarding, health and social care, criminal justice, children and families, or another relevant professional discipline.
Ability to analyse complex and sometimes conflicting information and produce clear, concise, objective and evidence-based professional written assessments.
Strong understanding of coercive and controlling behaviour, post-separation abuse, stalking and harassment, counter-allegations and the dynamic nature of domestic abuse risk.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and distinguish between specialist domestic abuse assessment and the statutory decision-making responsibilities of the court, Cafcass and local authorities.
Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with victim-survivors who may be experiencing significant trauma, distress and uncertainty associated with domestic abuse and family court proceedings.
Confidence working collaboratively with professionals across different disciplines and respectfully contributing specialist domestic abuse expertise where professional perspectives may differ.
Person Specification Desirable:
1. SafeLives IDVA qualification, or an equivalent recognised specialist domestic abuse advocacy qualification, or willingness to undertake the required specialist IDVA training within an agreed timeframe.
2. Previous experience of working with Family Court/private law children proceedings, Cafcass or related family justice processes.
3. Proven record of delivering tailored training packages.
4. A sound understanding of statutory safeguarding procedures both nationally and locally.
Skills and Abilities - Essential:
1. All applicants must have been resident in the U.K for 3 years prior to applying.
2. A current full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is a requirement for this role.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrating an ability to confidently relate to a broad spectrum of people in a tactful and sensitive manner.
4. Good knowledge and experience with Windows based computer applications and use of databases within a working environment.
5. 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
6. Prioritise and organise workloads within a dynamic and fast paced setting.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:
- The appointment will be fixed term to March 2028 in the first instance and subject to the conditions of service of Local Solutions.
- Hybrid/agile working
- Salary: £32, 029.68 per annum
- Annual Leave entitlement of 23 days. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service, in line with organisational policy
We are a values led and equal opportunities employer and offer the following benefits:
DBS Paid for by Local Solutions.
In-house training offing free courses and qualifications .
Free Employee Assistance programme - available for staff and immediate family. Including counselling services, Mental Health guidance, debt advice and support.
Company Mobile Phone provided with unlimited calls, text & data.
Refer a friend scheme. (£200 after probation completed).
Employee Discount Voucher Scheme - Blue Light Card
Corporate Membership at Lifestyles Gyms. (20% Discount)
Interviews will be scheduled between the 7th and 9th of October
INDOTH