We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity for a Female MASH Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team based in South Gloucestershire. You will join us on a part-time permanent contract working 26.25 hours each week equal over 5 days (includes some evening and weekend working on a rota basis). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £26,421 (unqualified) or £27,803 (qualified) pro rata per annum and benefits.

Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to survivors experiencing domestic abuse. With a focus on survivor’s safety and recovery, we believe the provision of flexible support tailored to survivor’s needs can be transforming, helping to maximise independence and self-determination so survivors can make informed choices.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

 Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
 3 extra holidays including International Women’s Day
 Excellent development and training opportunities
 Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
 Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
 Cycle to Work Scheme
 Long Service Awards
 Wellness Awards

About the role:

The IDVA will provide an immediate support service to female and male victims of domestic abuse and their children through the South Gloucestershire MASH. Identifying the impacts of domestic abuse on the children within the household and referring them into appropriate support services.

The IDVA will provide advice and support at the point of crisis, where support is provided, and choices are offered. The IDVA will make appropriate safeguarding and MARAC referrals; provide support for up to 4 weeks and make referrals for ongoing support alongside partners whose main aim is to ensure collaborative working to deliver effective and focused services to children, young people, and their families. The IDVA will provide training, expert advice and raise awareness to support the disclosure of domestic violence and abuse.

This role involves empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, and increase their confidence, safety and recovery.

Key duties and responsibilities of MASH DVA

 To be part of the South Gloucestershire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub process working with a multi-agency group of professionals whose main aim is to ensure collaborative working to deliver effective and focused services to children, young people, and their families.
 To train and support Social Services staff to identify and refer victims of domestic/sexual abuse.
 To establish and maintain support to survivors and their children, with a victim centred approach, focussing on safety and recovery
 To provide support to enable survivors to safely maintain their current accommodation, access welfare benefits, legal advice alternative housing and support services
 To maintain an effective support service with the aim of enabling the survivor and her children to develop the skills and resources necessary to move on and maintain independence and self-reliance
 Co deliver Survivor programmes (e.g. Freedom Programme), Family and Peer Support group work activities
 Champion service user empowerment and involvement
 To liaise effectively and collaboratively with all appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users

This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.

What we are looking for in our MASH IDVA

 Experience of working with women, men and children who have survived domestic abuse
 Demonstrable experience of carrying out risk assessments; of co-producing risk management, safety planning and support with women and children experiencing domestic abuse
 The ability to respond quickly and appropriately and to families requiring DV support
 Undertake effective casework management and support with evidence of a methodical and well organised approach to work
 The ability to work in partnership with a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies, to achieve outcomes for service users
 Knowledge and understanding of the issues, barriers and support needs of women experiencing domestic abuse and trauma
 Knowledge of Domestic Abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MASH and MARAC processes
 Be available and committed to be part of the out of hours on call rota and work flexibly including some Saturday mornings on a rota basis
 A current, full driving licence and access to appropriate motorised transport is essential

If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering survivors of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us as and contribute to the valuable work of Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.