Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Job Description

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

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At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Harmful Practice IDVA to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support Services in Newham, London

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Sounds great, what will I be doing?

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This role, open to female applicants only under Section 7(2) (b & e) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, involves delivering advocacy and intensive support services to all genders and non-binary survivors of domestic abuse, particularly those experiencing harmful practices . The postholder will work across hospital, healthcare, and community settings, acting as a single point of access for survivors at all risk levels. Key responsibilities include conducting DASH risk assessments, developing individual safety and support plans, providing crisis intervention, and ensuring high-risk survivors are represented through the MARAC process. The role also requires close collaboration with healthcare professionals, supporting them in managing disclosures, and ensuring survivors are connected to legal, housing, and welfare support as needed.

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The advocate will play a vital role in improving outcomes for survivors, aiming to increase their safety, confidence, and quality of life. They will develop and review person-centred support plans, make safeguarding referrals, and attend relevant forums and committees. Accurate case recording, participation in supervision and training, and engagement in service co-production with survivors are essential components of the role. As a representative of Hestia, the postholder will maintain strong multi-agency partnerships, uphold service standards and confidentiality, and embody Hestia's values in all aspects of their work.

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What do I need to bring with me?

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You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

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Here's what the team will be looking for:

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The ideal candidate will have extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence, with specific expertise in addressing harmful practices. This includes experience in risk assessment, developing safety and support plans, working within multi-agency settings, and delivering specialist domestic abuse training to professionals, particularly in healthcare environments. The candidate should also have a strong background in service user involvement and co-production, demonstrate the ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure, and be proficient in using computer-based systems for accurate case recording.

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In terms of skills and knowledge, the candidate must possess a deep understanding of the impact of domestic abuse and harmful practices on survivors and their children, as well as the legal, housing, and welfare systems relevant to their needs. They should be capable of working non-judgmentally and in an empowering way, have a strong grasp of safeguarding protocols, and experience in the MARAC process. Additionally, they must demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills, and the ability to evaluate training impact and apply learning to improve service delivery.

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When will I be working?

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This is a part time role, you will be required to work 4 days per week between the hours of 10am - 4.20pm

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Interview Steps

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We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

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• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
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• Face to face interview: There will be an Assessment / Recruitment day held for this role on 30th June iat our Head Office in Aldgate
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Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

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Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

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We are a disability confident employer

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Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

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Safeguarding Statement

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Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

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Important Information for Candidates

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If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

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We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

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