Independent Person Jobs

At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people.

Our impact across policy, campaigning, information and advice, grant-making and partnerships improves lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence in wider areas of life. We want to find talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey. 

Responsibilities and Person Specification: 

This role at Independent Age is a brilliant opportunity to work on our grant funding programmes, involving support of grant management, applications, assessments, and funding administration. The postholder will foster positive connections with funded organisations, service partners and individual grant holders, contribute to the review and analysis of grant and partnership reporting and evaluations, and help communicate the impact of grants working with multiple stakeholders. You will support with creating value-adding opportunities for grantees, from organising engaging training to hosting networking events.

A strong understanding of grant making and experience in supporting partnerships, a project, or programme of work, your collaborative approach, outstanding interpersonal skills, and commitment to customer service will be important for this role. You should also have excellent administrative and organisational skills, a keen eye for detail and be experienced in data management. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age: 

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. 

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting the Careers page on our website.

Application Process: 

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format). 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role. 

Closing Date: 23:59 on Monday 18th November 2024 

Interview Dates:  

• First Interviews will be held online on Thursday 28th November 2024 
• Second Interviews will be held in person on Thursday 5th December 2024 at Independent Age, 19 Avonmore Road, W14 8RR. 

Become a Self-Employed Independent Visitor!

Locations: Meath School, Surrey and Dawn House School, Nottinghamshire
Salary: Negotiable per visit (plus travel expenses)
Job Type: Part-time, one half termly visits at each school
Sector: /Education / Advocacy /Social Care

Apply Now – Nationwide or local Applicants Welcome!

About Meath School

Meath, a Speech and Language UK School, is a day and residential non-maintained primary special school for up to 75 pupils aged 4 to 11 years, where Speech and/or Language Disorder and associated difficulties is the primary need. Our most recent Ofsted report (2023) is highly positive about the work of the school and the progress which our children make. ‘Pupils are happy and safe, and they enjoy being in school. They comment that ‘everyone can have friends here’.

About Dawn House School

Dawn House School is part of Speech and Language UK, dedicated to supporting children with severe and complex speech, language, and communication needs. We provide integrated education, therapy, and care to pupils aged 5-19. Our school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offers a collaborative, child-centered environment. Join our passionate and dynamic team, where we empower young people to achieve their full potential.

About The Role

Speech and Language UK is recruiting Independent Visitors to provide essential support and guidance to our residential special school in all areas the national minimum standards.

Key Responsibilities:

To fulfil the requirements of Standard 3 of the national minimum standards for residential special schools, which includes:

• Conduct six unannounced visits to ensure the highest standards of care, aligned with national regulations.
• Write and submit reports on the conduct of the school with any recommendations within two weeks of the visit.
• Collaborate with staff members, and other key stakeholders to monitor compliance and safeguard the welfare of residents.
• Meet with children, parents, other stakeholders, senior management and other staff in the school
• Check school records, including, but not restricted to, attendance, restraint, risk assessment and care plans
• Evaluate the quality of the provision and effectiveness of the care provided to children and whether they are safeguarded
• Assess the suitability of the physical condition of the residential provision and its external environment

What We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks
• Experience of working within an educational setting, social or health care organisation, safeguarding, residential care, youth work, or related fields
• Knowledge of current care legislation and statutory guidance relating to children and young people
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.

This is a flexible, self-employed role perfect for experienced professionals looking for meaningful, impactful work.

How to Apply: Please check candidate pack available on our website

Closing Date: Monday, 9th December at 9am.

Accessibility Support: We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer.

Speech and Language UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff. Please find details of our safeguarding policy

All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment and enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

This role includes attendance at the office in Warwick district. Travel around Warwickshire for client appointments is essential to role, therefore use of a car essential.

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment and enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

This role includes attendance at the office in Warwick district. Travel around Warwickshire for client appointments is essential to role, therefore use of a car essential.

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the Merton Domestic Abuse Team working 37.5 hours a week. This role involves both face-to-face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, including working from home, Merton Civic Centre and the Merton One Stop Shop.

Do you want to join a committed and inspiring team? Do you want to help make a real difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improve the quality of lives of survivors of domestic abuse?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on safety and customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• £500 bonus paid on successful completion of probationary period (pro-rata for part time roles)
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
• Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the role:

This role is a hybrid working role based in Merton Civic Centre.

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
• Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

You will need:

• Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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.

We are seeking a Sex Worker Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (SWISVA) to provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to people involved in sex work, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. Working within a specialist sexual violence approach, you will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, including those directly related to sexual violence. You will support them to navigate criminal justice processes if they wish to do so. You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. You will play a key role in advocating for improved responses to sexual violence, including pathways through the criminal justice processes.  

The post is part of a unique partnership between National Ugly Mugs, Basis Yorkshire and POW (Nottingham) to ensure more specialist support for sex workers who have experienced sexual violence, to develop good practice guidelines, develop and share learning, and to influence change in provisions for sex workers. Each organisation will be employing a SWISVA; the program will be led by a Program Coordinator who will be based with Basis Yorkshire, and who will lead on influencing of policy and sharing of learning to improve outcomes for sex workers who have experienced sexual violence   

The main role responsibilities (further outlined in the job description) are:  

• Oversee a caseload of people who have experienced sexual violence

• Ensure that sex workers have access to specialist sexual violence services, including access to the SARC and support throughout the criminal justice process

• Ensure that safeguarding practice is embedded within working practices to effectively support those at risk 

• Work collaboratively with Police, ISVAs and other colleagues to ensure the needs of sex workers are met and their voices are heard within the criminal justice process 

• Advocate for sex workers wishing to access the specialist service, challenging discrimination, exclusion and stigma both for individuals and within the wider community  

• Ensure the service maintains its strict confidentiality and protects the data of those accessing the service 

• Work collaboratively with peers in the SWISVA Partnership Program and the Program Coordinator to enable the Programme to achieve its wider objectives of quality assurance, development of good practice guidelines, learning, evaluating and influencing  

• To work within POW to support the core services including drop-in and outreach, taking the lead and driving as allocated  

Experience of the sex work industry will be looked upon favourably. 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

Due to contract growth we are looking for a new Independent Visitor Co-ordinator to join our team. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Visitor Co-ordinator to join our team. Your role will require you to recruit, train, support, match and co-ordinate the volunteers (Independent Visitors) taking into account the needs of the children and young people. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.  

About you

You will have some experience of working/volunteering with children and young people and in a role that requires outstanding communication skills to achieve excellent results.  Ideally you will be competent in the use of social media and will have managed staff or volunteers previously.

Desirably you will have worked in the charity/third sector with volunteers previously.

How will you make a difference?

You will be supporting the Connections Team Leader and the volunteers to deliver an efficient and effective project ensuring a consistently high standard is maintained and delivered within an empowering framework.

You will support our volunteers by providing supervisions, debriefs and co-reflection groups, guidance and training as required.  Recording client/volunteer details and activities that demonstrate outcomes and the meeting of contractual obligations.

You will facilitate and supervise the initial meetings between the child or young person and the selected Independent Visitor.  Deploying resource flexibly and creatively to ensure they are used efficiently and responding to both internal and external challenges.

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays pro-rata
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 1 November 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We have an exciting fixed-term contract opportunity for a part-time adult caseworker to join the team at Victim Support Gloucestershire, working 22.5 hours a week. This role is for part-time maternity cover, with the end of the contract being 25th July 2025, please note this could end sooner.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays An extra day off for your birthday)
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discount
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based at our Gloucester office and will require travel within the Gloucestershire area. Hence, holding a valid driving licence is essential.

As a caseworker, you will:

• Effectively manage a caseload of self-referrals or referred service users, delivering excellent services which support the commissioners and their service goals to victims.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the client in line with VS operating procedures. To follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice this could include criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to service users.

You will need:

• Experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or families
• Understanding and knowledge of an active commitment to promoting equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity
• Ability to work without direct supervision, prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner
• Understanding of confidentiality and safe working practices, in accordance with safeguarding and data protection legislation
• Ability to needs assess, risk assess and empathise with the victim
• Excellent IT and administrative skills including the use of Microsoft Office packages
• High resilience and the ability to work under pressure

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Senior Independent Sexual Violence Advocate

Location: Galop Offices - London -  This role will have the option of hybrid working. 
Contract:  Fixed Term Contract,  Full time (Until 31 March 2025 (extension subject to funding)
Salary:  Grade E £37,014.59 - £38,981.45 (including inner London weighting of £4129.42) 

Do you want to make life better for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse?

Galop, the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, is seeking a Senior Independent Sexual Violence Advocate to provide an effective and professional service to LGBT+ people facing violence and abuse.

Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. We specialise in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, and other forms of abuse including honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and so-called conversion therapies. We are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of our community are at the centre of what we do.

We run a national support helpline for LGBT+ victims and survivors of: domestic abuse; hate crime; rape and sexual abuse; and so-called “conversion therapy”. We provide advocacy services, both in London and nationally, for LGBT+ victims who need longer-term support. We are person-centred, empowerment-based, and trauma-informed – meaning our focus is always on helping our clients decide what is best for them, and then supporting them through their journey.

We use what we learn through working on the frontlines with clients to work on national and local policy change, to improve outcomes for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. We build evidence through key pieces of research, like our upcoming report into LGBT+ experiences of sexual violence. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of LGBT+ people around the country. 

Galop is looking for an experienced practitioner to provide effective support to LGBT+ victims and survivors of sexual abuse and violence in the UK. You will work within the advocacy team to deliver advice, support, and advocacy to LGBT+ victims and survivors of sexual violence.  You will act as a specialist lead within the advocacy team on sexual violence, including providing support, advice and expertise to your colleagues and externally. 

You will have an in depth understanding of the spectrum of violence and abuse that LGBT+ people are subjected to, including the causes, impact and barriers to accessing services. You will use your expertise to represent Galop with key stakeholders, advocating for the needs of the community. 

You will have expertise in delivering needs-led specialist support services. You will need to be solutions-focussed and enjoy working collaboratively across a diverse and committed team. You’ll need to have good resilience and self-care and be prepared to work in an environment where abuse and violence are regularly talked about. You’ll need to understand the impact of trauma and how that affects our team.

Closing Date:    Applications should be submitted by 10am on Wednesday 6th November 2024
Interviews will be held on Thursday 14th November and Friday 15th November 2024

REF-217 332

Victim Support is recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to be co-located within mental health inpatients units covering Bedfordshire This is a full time role but part time would be considered. This role is on a fixed term contract until 30th June 2025.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…..

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your Birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances & maternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

We are looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to compliment our existing IDVA working alongside East London Foundation Trust. This is a full time role but part time would be considered, on fixed term contract. The aim of this role is to support victims of domestic abuse who are inpatients across Bedfordshire. This role will be working with victims of domestic abuse who are predominately risk assessed as standard/medium. This role will also work alongside our other specialist services covering Bedfordshire.

As an IDVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 looking forward to hearing from you.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the DRIVE IDVA Team working 37.5 hours a week. This role involves both face-to-face and virtual support.

Do you want to join a committed and inspiring team? Do you want to help make a real difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improve the quality of lives of survivors of domestic abuse?Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on safety and customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
• Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the role:

This role is home and office based, with travel throughout London. As a DRIVE IDVA, you will: -

• Work in partnership with other professionals to ensure that risk management and safeguarding duties are effectively met.
• Develop and maintain effective partnership working with statutory, private and voluntary agencies to address the issue of domestic abuse.
• Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
• Hold a case load focusing on high-risk survivors of domestic abuse to provide, medium to long term support, based on thorough risk assessment and individual safety and support planning.
• Attend regular case meetings with the DRIVE Case Managers and partnership agencies
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

You will need:

• Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.
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.

We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse.The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.  The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations. 

ISVA Main Duties

· Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

· Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.

· Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.

· Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

· Develop individual support plans to address risks /support needs of clients.

· Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.

· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

· Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.

· Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.

· Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.

· Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

· Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.

· Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.

· Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.

· Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.

· To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.

· Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.

· Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines, strategies within practice area if necessary.

· Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.

· Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

· Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

· Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

· Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

· Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

· Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.

· Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.

· Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.

· Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.

We provide a specialist 1:1 service for young women and girls aged 11-25 living, studying or based in close proximity to Barnet and neighbouring boroughs. 

Our long term, 18 months support, programme engages young women and girls with direct experiences of relationship abuse, sexual violence, intra-familial abuse, exploitation, and/or where there are significant risk indicators present in the young persons life that may increase their exposure to harm. 

Young women and girls are referred through professional, self and peer or familial pathways and will be engaged in weekly or fortnightly support. The service is offered from a space safe for them, including our community spaces, at their home or within their educational setting. 

How our service is different from traditional IDVA models: 

• We offer long term support for up to 18 months, enabling you to build trusted and safe relationships that exceed immediate, crisis intervention and also focus on implementing a support package for continued development once a survivor has achieved immediate safety

• We keep our caseloads low and manageable, supporting no more than 10 young women and girls at any one time. This has been proven to reduce stress and burn out, whilst increasing your capacity to create a targeted and needs-based response for each young person

• Our interventions are holistic and flexible, ranging from trips and outings, to visits in school, at home or a safe local community space. This approach enables you to have more freedom over how the intervention is shaped and delivered, reducing rigidity and any feelings the relationship is impersonal 

• We offer access to a range of healing opportunities outside of the 1:1 Support, including fortnightly group trips with other young survivors to establish connection and reduce isolation, fortnightly group wellbeing workshops, access to Youth Employment opportunities within our creative education curriculum and opportunities to shape the organisation through our independent Youth Board.

We have an exciting opportunity for an IDVA to join team in London, working 37.5 hours a week. This role is co-located in Homerton Hospital, Hackney.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

• At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your Birthday
• £500 bonus paid on successful completion of probationary period (pro-rata for part time roles)
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances & maternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance program & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

As an IDVA you will be working as a member of the London Domestic Abuse team supporting clients through the co-location at the hospital liaising directly with departments such as ED/ Safe Guarding/ Maternity as well as supporting through the criminal justice system. You will work in partnership with other agencies aiming to increase the level of domestic abuse prosecutions.

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:
Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

You will need:

• Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 looking forward to hearing from you.

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.