Health and Social Care IDVA

Location: Plymouth

Salary: £25,954 pa, rising to £26,364 after successful probation

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

The Health and Social Care Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse within Livewell settings. Working as part of an integrated response, the post holder receives referrals from Livewell teams following routine enquiry or disclosure and provides timely, person-centred interventions that prioritise safety, recovery, and long-term well being. The role involves assessing risk, undertaking safety planning, and delivering tailored emotional and practical support to individuals with a wide range of needs, including those at the highest level of risk.

A key part of the role is to advocate on behalf of service users and work collaboratively with Livewell staff, community services, and partner agencies to ensure individuals can access the legal, housing, health, financial, and other support services to which they are entitled. The post holder will empower service users to better understand the dynamics and impact of domestic abuse, support informed decision-making, and help them regain choice, control, and independence.

The Health and Social Care IDVA also has an important responsibility in promoting greater awareness of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and the integrated service among Livewell practitioners and wider professionals, helping to strengthen identification, referral, and response pathways across services.

The role requires a highly motivated, adaptable, and resilient individual who can work independently, manage a complex caseload, respond calmly in crisis situations, handle sensitive information with professionalism, and maintain accurate and confidential case records in line with service requirements.

Key responsibilities:

Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse within Livewell settings

To complete person-centred individualised risk assessments and support plans to reduce risk and identify individual needs. To deliver appropriate support in keeping with the results

To provide advocacy, emotional, practical support and information to victims to address identified risks and needs including safety planning, housing and security, online safety, separation and post separation, children, health and well being, legal, financial and any other additional support needs identified

Receive and respond promptly to referrals from clinicians following routine enquiry or other disclosures.

Provide an enhanced service to those assessed as high risk, while ensuring all referrals receive an appropriate and timely response regardless of risk level

To ensure, through liaison with both the client and partner agencies, that clients receive the support they require and to which they are entitled

To understand and actively use the legal framework relating to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children through local safeguarding procedures

Empower service users to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse in their own circumstances and support them to regain safety, choice, and control.

To assist the client in developing their own support networks.

Where necessary, to act as a single point of contact for the client to address risk and need

To signpost clients to the most appropriate agency to meet their needs

To effectively manage a caseload

To ensure accurate and timely management of all electronic case management records within the Halo database

To follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the victim is kept central to any process

To keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes

To take a proactive approach regarding professional development and requirements of the role.

Work flexibly including out of hours as and when required to do so.

Represent the charity and service appropriately with a broad range of organisations and individuals

To undertake any duties as may be required from time to time commensurate with the grade of the post.

Essential requirements:

Literacy skills and experience working with databases

To hold or have a commitment to complete certified IDVA training, or a relevant degree, or demonstrable equivalent experience

Experience supporting victims of domestic abuse, or working with vulnerable people

Have a good understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.

Understand safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.

Understanding the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children

Added benefits:

A comprehensive induction and training programme.

A well being day per financial year

Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases

Health and well being resources including our staff Well being Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our employee engagement platform.

Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which includes a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support.

Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light UK, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

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Health and Social Care IDVA