Job Description

DRIVE - IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Location: FCWA Offices, 77 Montague Street, Blackpool, FY4 1AT

Salary:

* £26,500 (FTE unqualified) £21,200 based on 30 hours

* £28,500 (FTE qualified or after 2 years of service) £22,800 based on 30 hours

Hours: 30 hours per week- Over 4 days (Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:00 pm) Days negotiable

Vacancy Type: 12 Months- continuation is subject to funding

FCWA is an innovative, exciting, and friendly organisation run by a staff team who are passionate about bringing an end to domestic and sexual violence. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

The DRIVE IDVA Role and Key Responsibilities

The Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA) plays a critical safeguarding role within the Drive Project, providing specialist, survivor-centred advocacy, safety planning and risk management for victims and survivors linked to Drive cases. The role ensures that survivors’ voices, safety, and well-being remain central to system decision-making throughout the Drive intervention.

The role is positioned to work with victims/survivors of domestic abuse; providing specialist support to victims of high-risk, serial, or high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators who are managed by the Drive Project.

DRIVE IDVA’s provide ongoing recovery support to clients for up to 12 months.

* The role requires the successful candidate to;

* Proactively engage with victim/survivors to build bespoke safety plans, including security measures to increase their immediate and long-term safety.

* Act as the crucial link between the perpetrator’s case manager and the victim/survivor to provide current updates and inform disruptive interventions (e.g., police action, bail conditions).

* Conduct regular risk assessments to monitor changes in the perpetrator's behaviour and reduce the risk of harm to the victim/survivor and any children.

* Represent the victim/survivors’ needs in multi-agency meetings (such as MARAC and DAPP), ensuring a coordinated approach between police, social services, housing, and health.

* Serve as the main contact point for victim/survivors to provide consistent support, information and advocacy throughout the intervention process.

* Support victim/survivors through the legal, criminal or civil justice systems. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims, children, and families.

Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning, and risk management within domestic abuse services.

Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults.

Experience of providing direct support to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable groups.

Experience working within multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks.

Experience using SafeLives DASH risk assessment tools.

Ability to manage a complex caseload and prioritise competing demands effectively.

Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication, advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.

Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and survivor-centred practice.

Desirable Criteria

IDVA qualification or willingness to work towards accreditation.

Knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies available to victims of domestic abuse.

Experience working with individuals affected by mental health issues, substance misuse, or multiple disadvantage.

Knowledge of housing, homelessness, welfare benefits, and CAFCASS processes.

Understanding of Respect Standards and perpetrator intervention programmes.

Benefits:

Birthday day off

Employee Assistance Programme

Regular staff support sessions

Contributory pension scheme

Death in Service insurance

Ongoing training and professional development

Friendly, values-driven team environment

Additional Information:

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.

Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Fylde Coast Womens Aid, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Closing date: 22nd June 2026

Interviews: TBC