Sarah Davidge, Head of Membership, Research and Evaluation at Women’s Aid, comments: 

 “The new data from the Domestic Homicide project, which for the first time, has identified a teenage girl dying of suicide as a result of domestic abuse, is incredibly disturbing.  

“Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on the mental health and wellbeing of survivors, and it is heartbreaking to see that this heinous crime is impacting a growing number of young women and girls. Sadly, young men and boys are increasingly exposed to violent and misogynistic content online, which further feeds into the harmful behaviours we know underpin violence against women and girls (VAWG). We know from our own research that those who have viewed such content are five times more likely to view hurting someone physically as acceptable if you say sorry afterwards. We also know that worrying behaviours indicative of controlling behaviour, including ‘love bombing’, stalking and the giving of unwanted gifts, are normalised by those who have been exposed to harmful content online.   

“We must do more to ensure that young people have access to reliable and trustworthy information about what constitutes a healthy relationship that is rooted in consent and mutual respect. We must also ensure that survivors are being heard and helped before they feel like it is too late. Every life lost is preventable and we owe it to the families of these girls and women to do better.” 

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Do you have the resilience and the motivational, inspiring personality it takes to bring a rapid response to this vital service aimed at supporting Bristol’s female homeless population? This is an innovative project for Next Link working with St Mungo’s to provide safe housing and specialist support to women who are fleeing or at risk of domestic or gender-based violence or abuse, with principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment.

We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to join our Respite Room Safehouse Team in Bristol. You will join us on a full-time, Permanent contract working 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis including some evening and weekend work.  In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,598 (unqualified) or £30,024 (qualified) per annum plus unsociable hours payment and benefits.

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
• Health and Wellbeing programme

About the role

Managed by St Mungo’s and Next Link on behalf of the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities), the Respite Rooms safehouse provides a specialist gender and trauma informed housing and support service for women facing multiple disadvantage fleeing or at risk of domestic and/or gender-based violence.

The service offers short stay temporary accommodation to women who are fleeing or at risk of domestic or gender-based violence or abuse.

This post will be based at the Respite Rooms safehouse providing housing and specialist support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse across Bristol. The role will involve working with a client group experiencing multiple complexities, delivering specialist domestic abuse interventions, and holding the specialism within the team.

Working with Next Link and in close partnership with the Police, Lighthouse, Homelessness, and Drug/Alcohol support services to provide a co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice, and advocacy to female survivors of domestic violence

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

In this role you will:

Deliver, in conjunction with other members of the team, support to female clients with multiple support needs who have also experienced domestic or sexual abuse and VAWG.

You will be carrying out IDVA assessments and interventions, providing clients with personalised case management support to help them be connected into specialist external services, and ensuring a housing pathway so the women can be rapidly and safely rehoused.

Working with your small team, as well as liaising closely with partner agencies and the night workers, you will work a rota that will involve some evening, weekend work. This role will pay unsocial able hours payment.

You will ideally be a fully qualified IDVA or be willing to work towards an IDVA qualification and will have experience of working with vulnerable people and an understanding of the needs of homeless women and/or women who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse or exploitation. Strong communication, influencing, and reasoning skills are also key, as is a flair for solving problems. Other qualities include knowing how to network and build effective relationships with people at every level, and a keen interest to keep abreast of current DV and VAWG related issues, housing legislation, welfare benefit legislations, and other matters relevant to successful support and move on of clients.

This role is only open to female applicants. Due to the specific requirements of this role, this post is exempt under the Equality Act (2010), Part 1, Schedule 9 (Genuine Occupational Requirement).

About you

You will ideally hold an IDVA qualification or be willing to work towards an IDVA qualification and will have experience of delivering specialist domestic abuse interventions to women facing multiple disadvantage. Strong communication, influencing, and reasoning skills are also key, as is a flair for solving problems.

You will adopt a trauma-informed approach in all interactions, recognising the impact of complex trauma, avoiding re-traumatisation, and prioritising emotional and physical safety, choice, and autonomy. This will include building consistent, trusting relationships with women through compassionate, non-judgemental and strengths-based engagement.

Other qualities include knowing how to network and build effective relationships with people at every level, and a keen interest to keep abreast of current DV and VAWG related issues, housing legislation, welfare benefit legislations, and other matters relevant to successful support and move on of clients.

How to apply:

Please download the Application Pack from our website and complete the Application Form. Please submit your application by 9am Thursday 23^rd April 2026. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 29^th and Thursday 30^th April 2026.

hr.enquiries@missinglinkhousing.co.uk                                                          www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk

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We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Community Outreach Worker to join our team based across Bristol.  You will join us on a part-time, Permanent Contract working 15 hours per week (Wednesday and Thursday or Thursday and Friday), including participation in an out of hours telephone on-call rota and some evening and Saturday working.  In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 12 £28,598 pro rata per annum plus benefits.

Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to women and children 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
• Health and Wellbeing programme

About the role:

As our Community Outreach Worker, you will work within an integrated team within Next Link Domestic abuse services. Providing a co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and their children, who are living in the community and experiencing domestic abuse. The role involves empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery.

Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* Community Outreach Worker:

• Provide outreach, resettlement and tenancy sustainment support enabling women in the community to safely maintain their current accommodation, access alternative housing, welfare benefits, legal advice and support services
• 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
• To provide short term support to clients around safety planning and ensuring they are aware of their options in relation to their current circumstances.
• Maintain knowledge of local services, encourage engagement and reduce the families’ isolation
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of service-users who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the service
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge of housing legislation, housing and welfare legislation and the welfare benefit system
• Promote the service through building positive relationships with current, potential referrers and service users to ensure a steady flow of appropriate referrals
• Where relevant, refer children and young people needing additional specialist support to the Family Workers
• Actively participate in regular one-to-one supervision, reflective practice groups, and annual appraisals

What we are looking for in our ideal Female* Community Outreach Worker:

• An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on women and children
• Experience of carrying out needs and risk assessments, co-producing risk management and safety plans with women and children experiencing domestic abuse
• Experience providing support to individuals to sustain/ manage their tenancies and avoid tenancy breakdown
• An understanding of cultural diversity and domestic abuse
• The ability to provide respectful, non-judgemental, and confidential support to women and their children
• Numeracy and literacy to GCSE level/NVQ 2 or equivalent
• A full driving licence and access to transport

Please apply now to join us as our Female* Community Outreach Worker and contribute to the valuable work Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

How to apply:

Please download the application pack from our website and complete the application form.  Please submit your application by 9am on Friday 10th April 2026.  Please do not send CVs.  Interviews will be held w/c 13th April 2026

To apply for this job email your details to HR.Enquiries@missinglinkhousing.co.uk.

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This week, The Guardian published an investigation which revealed that the number of suicides linked to domestic abuse was being vastly underreported, with up to 1,500 victims each year.

Sarah Davidge, Head of Membership, Research and Evaluation at Women’s Aid, comments:  

Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on the mental health and wellbeing of survivors. These new findings are a shocking insight into the reality for so many families who are left bereaved of mothers, daughters and sisters as a result of domestic abuse, but are too often denied justice because their death was not considered to be directly at the hands of their perpetrator.   

We know from The Domestic Homicide project, that the majority of Suspected Victim Suicides after Domestic Abuse victims (SVSDA) from an intimate partner were also identified as having a history of coercive and controlling behaviour within these relationships. The figures today show that the extent of the official figures significantly underpresent the reality behind the impact of domestic abuse. 

It is imperative that understanding of the nature and impact of coercive and controlling behaviour is improved across all agencies that come into contact with survivors, through training like that offered by Women’s Aid.  

With cases against perpetrators all too often dropped after death by suicide, grieving families are failed by the justice system and perpetrators do not face justice. 

We must do better to protect women and children from their abusers and to help them believe their voices will be heard, before they feel like it is too late.  

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2 positions available as follows:

18.5 hours per week & 30 hours per week

Both 18 months Fixed Term contract (with possibility of extension, subject to further funding)

Locations: Stafford & Lichfield

Actual Salary £13,636 – £14,186 per annum – 18 hours per week

Actual Salary £22,112 – £23,005 per annum – 30 Hours per week 

(dependent upon qualifications/experience)

Staffordshire Survive provides a free, non-judgmental and confidential service for adults, children over the age of 4, and close family members/significant others who have been affected by sexual assault or abuse at any point during their lives across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.

We are currently seeking a compassionate and organised individual to co-ordinate referrals and care between Staffordshire Survive, specialist support services and the NHS Ascend Sexual Abuse Recovery Service, ensuring survivors receive timely, holistic and joined-up care that meets their individual needs.

You will support survivors of sexual violence, many of whom experience complex mental health needs, to provide formalised peer support and practical assistance in order for them to regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. This role will play a key part in advocating for clients, promoting recovery, increasing referrals and reducing barriers to service access and engagement.

You will have experience and understanding of the traumatic effects and mental health impacts of sexual violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual coercion and experience of multi-agency working.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential requirements of the post.

To apply for these positions, please visit our website ‘Work for SWA – Staffordshire Women’s Aid’ to download further details and an Application Form which needs to be completed and returned to personnel@staffordshirewomensaid.org by the closing date.

The large part of our services are run by women for women, and this role is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1, Section 7(2)e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply.  The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Closing Date for applications is 9 am on 19th February 2026

Interviews will be held on 24th & 26th February 2026

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Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, comments: 

We welcome the government’s ambitious commitment to halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade, as outlined in their strategy published today.  

We are pleased to see the emphasis the strategy places on long-term prevention, particularly new investment in programmes that aim to shift attitudes of children and young people, ensuring that they understand what healthy relationships must look like. Our own research tells us that children who were exposed to content like that from Andrew Tate, were five times more likely to view hurting someone physically as acceptable, if they apologised afterwards, so this intervention is absolutely vital. We also welcome much-needed plans to improve local commissioning standards which, for too long, have resulted in a postcode lottery of support for victims and survivors. Looking ahead, it is fundamental that there is a focus not just on setting national expectations – but on ensuring robust implementation and accountability on the ground, so that all women and children experiencing abuse are able to access lifesaving support when they need it most. 

This strategy is a commendable effort by government to deliver a whole system response to VAWG, including through long-awaited interventions in healthcare, which should provide additional resource to complement the vital work being delivered already by specialist services. However, we are mindful that frontline services will experience additional strain following a planned increase in referrals through the NHS, as well as via education and criminal justice systems. It is important that these services are well-equipped to respond, given that over 60% of referrals into refuge are already declined, primarily due to a lack of bedspaces. Additional funding by government into safe accommodation and other specialist services is welcome, but this needs to go much further, including through ring-fenced investment in services run by and for Black and minoritised women and dedicated support for child victims  

While we also acknowledge the government’s efforts to encourage reporting of abuse by migrant victims and survivors, significantly more remains to be done to ensure these most vulnerable victim-survivors are protected and supported, as well as specific funding commitments towards migrant survivors of domestic abuse. The Home Office Flexible Fund, administered by Women’s Aid via our network of specialist services and delivery partners, remains crucial for supporting women, such as those with no recourse to public funds, in times of crisis, and we advocate for sustainable funding for this lifeline. 

Finally, it is critical that through the delivery of this VAWG strategy, the wider expertise and fullest potential of the specialist domestic abuse sector, including the by and for sector, is recognised. Our specialist members already deliver educational work in schools, provide therapeutic services and train of professionals, amongst a myriad of expertise which compliments their role in delivering safe accommodation, as well as frontline and community-based services. We strongly urge that the sector is heavily involved in the funded delivery of these new and vital aspects of the strategy. 

We will now take time to familiarise ourselves with the strategy and consider its impact on our diverse group of member services across England. We will respond more fully in due course.

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Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, comments: 

“This week, the Ministry of Justice announced a range of reforms to the criminal justice system, as well as much-needed funding for victims’ services. For too long, survivors have been left to muddle through the justice system without adequate support, often without being believed, so these changes are welcome.  

The announcement that £550 million will be invested in victim support services, to be spread over three years, will provide some respite to life-saving services, which have continued delivering high-quality care and support despite a funding crisis. While we await further clarity on the critical question of what proportion of the funding will be ring-fenced for domestic abuse and sexual violence services, and while we would of course like to see further investment in the long-term, this 2% uplift is welcome given the challenging economic context that we are currently in, whilst recognising that costs have increased for many services well beyond this. 

Looking ahead and in the context of this government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade, we continue to urge that  £280 million be committed annually to support these community-based support services, which provide survivors with life-saving help, when they need it most. 

This week, we also saw a number of changes introduced to tackle the backlog of court cases, which is having a detrimental impact on survivors – causing them to drop criminal proceedings due to the damaging impact the delays have on their mental health. A key element of this week’s proposal is the diversion of cases away from court and towards out of court resolutions. We are concerned that the increased responsibility of judicial discretion and on magistrates in domestic abuse cases could mean an increased risk to the safety of women and children due to inconsistent levels of domestic abuse training across judges. Coercive control is an insidious part of domestic abuse and it is vital that judges and magistrates understand its complexity, and the responsibility that they have towards survivors, women and children alike. We urge that specialist domestic abuse training be provided to all judges and magistrates to ensure that decisions are risk-assessed and survivor-focused.  

We are pleased to see further reform, including reforms recommended by the Law Commission which centre the needs of survivors over those who commit heinous crimes against them, accepted by the government. We are pleased to see that it will be enshrined in law that where previous convictions evidencing domestic abuse exist, these can be used at trial for further domestic abuse related offences. We are also pleased to see vital measures introduced to restrict the use of ‘bad character evidence’ against rape victims in court. For too long, survivors of rape have been disbelieved, questioned and undermined, while conviction rates remained stubbornly low. These changes are vital if trust in the justice system is ever to be rebuilt.” 

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We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker to provide direct support, advocacy, and outreach services for individuals experiencing domestic abuse in Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, and Spelthorne. In this role, you will empower clients by offering emotional and practical support, safety planning, risk assessments, and guidance on accessing key services, such as legal aid, housing, and benefits.

If you are passionate about supporting survivors and committed to making a difference, we would love to hear from you. We are seeking a dedicated and approachable individual with strong communication skills, an understanding of safeguarding frameworks, and experience working with victims of domestic abuse.

Please note: This post is restricted to female applicants in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE
IDVA / Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker

DAYS / HOURS
2 – 5 Days a week / 14 – 35 paid hours

SALARY
£25,000 – 32,000 FTE depending on experience

DURATION
6-12 Month Contract

REPORTS TO
CEO

LOCATION
Walton-on-Thames office

HOLIDAY & PENSION
20 days holiday per annum plus paid Bank Holidays, increasing with each full year of service up to 30 days and option of enrolment in pension scheme

1. ACCOUNTABILITY

The post holder is accountable and will be supervised by the Chief Executive and work in partnership with the other Service Managers.

2. KEY AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

The key purpose of the role is to provide a domestic abuse outreach service for the boroughs of Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell and Spelthorne

Direct Work with clients

·       To contact clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to allow clients to explain their situation and empower them to set their own priorities.

·       To provide skilled practical help, advice and emotional support to enable clients to reach an informed decision regarding their future, including safety planning and risk assessment.

·       To enable and encourage clients to take advantage of all services relevant to their problems such as legal and financial advice, housing and benefits rights, education, medical treatment, safety advice etc. and make appropriate referrals.

·       To assist clients where necessary by negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.

·       To negotiate with third parties, including statutory and non-statutory organisations as required.

·       To accompany clients to meetings with agencies and courts if needed.

·       To be mindful of the impact of any client’s children witnessing domestic abuse and of the associated child protection issues.

·       To help reduce client’s isolation and encourage them back into the community.

·       To seek opportunities for clients to access group work and to deliver group work as appropriate.

·       To attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences.

·       To assess clients for referral to the North Surrey Sanctuary Scheme.

·       Understanding of Safeguarding Framework and procedures both for Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection.

Administration

·       To maintain relevant casework records on clients for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation and ensuring such records are kept up to date and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

·       To maintain records to fulfil monitoring requirements of funders

·       To undertake letter writing as appropriate

Other duties and responsibilities

·       To uphold the aims and principles of the NSDAS.

·       To keep up to date with policies and procedures relevant to bureau work and undertake relevant training within guidelines issued by NSDAS.

·       To uphold and work within the principles of the Surrey Multi Agency Strategy against Domestic Abuse.

·       To provide advice and information to other organisations and take part in Domestic Abuse awareness raising events.

·       To liaise with other organisations and agencies where there is a joint or multiple approach to a client and be aware that inter-agency co-operation is an integral and essential facet of outreach work.

·       To abide by health and safety procedures in accordance with Health & Safety legislation.

·       To work closely with the other Outreach Workers/IDVAs.

·       Any other duties as required to ensure the efficient provision of the outreach service.

·       To understand and adhere to Safeguarding Policies and procedures.

·       Answer calls, facilitate meetings and be on a rota to support the charity as needed.

Professional Support and Development

·       To keep up to date with legislation, case law and policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training relevant to the provision of an advice service and issues concerning domestic abuse.

·       To prepare for and attend supervision sessions as required.

·       To attend team meetings.

·       To attend all relevant training as required including specialist domestic abuse/gender violence training.

Requirements and Skills

·       Knowledge of the issues facing people experiencing domestic abuse.

·       Recent experience of advice work which could be within any voluntary or statutory organisation.

·       Ability to plan and prioritise own work, meet deadlines and manage caseload.

·       Experience of supporting victims of domestic abuse and evaluating risk factors.

·       Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.

·       Effective written and oral communication skills with particular emphasis on negotiating.

·       Ability to use IT in the provision of advice, compilation of statistical data and preparation of reports.

·       Flexible approach, ability to work on own initiative but also ability to work as part of a team.

·       Numeracy skills.

·       An awareness of the importance of confidentiality.

·       The ability to listen, to communicate and to be non-judgemental

·       To demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity.

·       To be able to work effectively with a range of different statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and individuals.

·       To demonstrate understanding of safeguarding issues.

·       To have a full driving license and use of a car and ability to meet clients in the Boroughs of Epsom and Ewell, Elmbridge and Spelthorne,

·       To be qualified as a domestic abuse IDVA or willing to train to achieve this qualification.

We recognise the positive value of diversity, promoting equality and fairness, and challenging discrimination. We welcome our legal duties not to discriminate as a service provider and an employer. We aim to go beyond the narrow scope of legislative compliance and follow best practice, making equality, fairness and diversity a fundamental part of all our activities. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we wish to encourage and harness these differences to make our services more relevant and approachable.

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Please note: this post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

JOB PURPOSE

The Health IDVA provides vital support to those affected by domestic abuse, helping them access the specialist services they need and navigate challenges in their daily lives. You will work directly with patients with a wide range of experiences and needs, offering advocacy, guidance, and practical support. A key part of the role is raising awareness among community healthcare professionals about the impact of domestic abuse, particularly on mental health, through training, guidance, and ongoing support, so that patients are identified earlier and supported more effectively.

This role addresses a need in community healthcare, where many patients are not recognised as survivors of domestic abuse. By combining domestic abuse expertise with a therapeutic approach, the Health IDVA will provide direct support to patients while helping community services and healthcare teams feel confident and equipped to respond appropriately. You will be supported by the Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Managers. You will have the opportunity to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification once you pass your probation (if not already qualified).

Through this work, the Health IDVA will help ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate support while also strengthening the skills, confidence, and understanding of community services and professionals. By building strong partnerships and sharing expertise, the role will contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to domestic abuse, ensuring that patients are supported at every stage and that services are better equipped to meet their needs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Hold a caseload of clients, including NHS staff.
• Ensure survivors are fully informed of their rights and options, and explain the criminal and civil legal remedies available to them.
• Promote enhanced safety and wellbeing for victim-survivors accessing community healthcare, including NHS staff.
• Conduct needs and risk assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Abuse Risk Assessment), to determine appropriate levels of support. Develop and implement safety plans collaboratively with clients to address their needs in a timely manner.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate legal, financial, housing, medical, educational, and employment services, as well as counselling and community support networks.
• Work in partnership with police, housing providers, and other agencies to advocate for survivors and facilitate referrals to ongoing support services.
• Attend Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences when required (MARAC) and make referrals where appropriate.
• Recognise and address the needs of survivors who experience additional barriers to accessing services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people, and adults, in line with Child Protection Procedures and safeguarding policies.
• Maintain accurate client records, monitoring data, and outcome information. Prepare reports and evaluations as required for service monitoring.
• Participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing a HIDVA service within the hospital on Friday evenings and weekends as scheduled

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the Health IDVA service and establish formal working links with GP practices and other healthcare providers (such as dental, health visiting or mental health teams.
• Attend safeguarding, handover and partnership meetings to raise awareness of the service and share our knowledge so earlier identification of domestic abuse within community healthcare settings can be achieved.
• Deliver training sessions to community healthcare staff to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriately responding to disclosures.
• Contribute to multi-agency safeguarding meetings and local domestic abuse forums to share learning and strengthen partnership working.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / healthcare setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to network face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

How to apply

If you feel that this role would be a good fit for you, please visit our website https://www.risingsunkent.com/get-involved/join-the-team to find downloadable copies of the job pack and application form and for further details about Rising Sun. Please demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

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