Specialist & Expert Advocate

AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.

Each year, around 150 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide. The actual number of suicides as a result of domestic abuse remains unknown.  Most of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. We help these families in many ways, our prime function being to provide families in England and Wales with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after domestic homicide.

AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) is a growing Charity and to meet the demands of this growth, we are looking for an exceptional candidate to join our team in a highly rewarding opportunity. Although home based, some travel will be required - frequency will be commensurate to the role. We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

Our Specialist Advocates support families impacted by fatal domestic abuse through provision of lay advocacy for and on behalf of families with a range of statutory service providers (e.g. those conducting reviews and inquiries, social services, police, housing) and work to build good relations between all parties.  To ensure that families get the support they need, you will use AAFDA’s Home Office endorsed seven-step approach to working with individuals and families, to ensure that they receive the best possible support and advocacy to restore dignity and relief for families and to help them cope and recover. Through trauma-informed approaches, you will:

• listen to families and advocate for them in a complex system that too often treats them as passive participants and overlooks the value of their insight;
• provide information, support, guidance, advice and advocacy on Domestic Homicide Reviews, Mental Health Reviews, Inquests, Independent Office of Police Conduct inquiries and other types of Inquiries;
• manage families’ expectations of the legal and procedural processes facing them by supporting families in meetings with agencies such as health, police and local authorities;
• give families practical help on a wide range of issues - including help with letter writing or advocating with employers and local authorities on the families’ behalf;
• Support AAFDA in our bringing families together in AAFDA’s peer support events, such as the Hear Our Voice weekend and the on-line peer support Zoom sessions, where families can speak with others to share their experiences and stories. This will involve occasional evening work.

This role is offered on a full-time basis.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

• 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
• Excellent development and training opportunities
• Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Scheme
• Employee Assist Scheme