Male Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Role:              IDVA (Male Victims only) 

Location:       West Midlands

Contract:       Permanent 

Salary:           £25,282 - £28.861 (dependent on qualifications and experience)

Hours:            Monday - Friday 9am-5pm ( 37.5 hours)

A specialist support organisation is looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) provide a high-quality frontline domestic abuse support service to those at high risk of harm

Key Responsibilities

Receive referrals of high-risk male victims of domestic abuse, as defined by the DASH risk assessment, make contact offering support to reduce risk, explain the MARAC process and represent the voice of the victims at MARAC.
Provide support, advice, and information to male victims experiencing domestic violence and abuse through telephone contact and face to face meetings.
Advocate for male victims and help them access services to keep them and their children safe.
Identify and assess the risks and needs of male victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist. Eg Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) risk assessment
Receive referrals and enquiries via drop-ins and telephone contact, gather information, assess the information, agreeing needs and identifying risk.
Recognise, respect and address the needs of male victims who face barriers when seeking help to access the advocacy service.
Support the empowerment of male victims, helping them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives.
Facilitate group work, as and when needed, to raise awareness of the dynamics of domestic abuse and empower male victims to live free from abuse.
Ensure male victims are aware of the criminal justice system e.g. protective orders
To be an active member of multi-agency networks and meetings, such as child protection conferences and core groups, maintaining good communications with other professionals involved and advocacy for the victim.
Prepare reports to feed into MARAC and other operational safeguarding forums. Attendance to present cases at MARAC will be required.
Record case work accurately and ensure the administration of caseload is always up to date.
Attend regular case review meetings to communicate information regarding cases and share information around high-risk cases.
Ensure that any issues in relation to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults are brought to the immediate attention of the manager.Requirements

IDVA qualification and/or direct experience of working in domestic/sexual violence.
Experience of managing complex casework, including issues such as child abuse, mental health, substance abuse, working with trauma in adults and children and crisis intervention
Knowledge of domestic abuse, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice
Strong communication and advocacy skills
Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle
Enhanced DBS check required 

Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency