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Housing IDVA

Job Description

Housing IDVA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor)

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Housing IDVA to join our Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) service. In this role, you will provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and housing-related support to women survivors of domestic abuse. You will collaborate closely with housing providers and local councils, upskill housing practitioners, and provide vital support to women with housing challenges, ensuring their voices guide every stage of the process.

As part of the dynamic team, you will engage survivors, assess risks and needs, and develop safety plans. You will manage a caseload of survivors while offering expertise in housing, tenancy, and risk management. This role is essential to ensuring women with complex housing needs can access secure accommodation and have the support needed to live safely.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Engagement & Advocacy: Proactively reach out to housing service providers and local councils to introduce the service, enhance their response to domestic abuse, and encourage referrals. You will co-locate in housing services four days a week, providing briefings and supporting upskilling of housing workers.
  • Case Management: Hold a caseload of survivors and conduct comprehensive risk and needs assessments for women facing domestic violence. Develop tailored support plans focused on short- and long-term safety planning, and offer appropriate advocacy and multi-agency referrals.
  • Housing Support: Provide expert advice on housing rights and options, support tenancy sustainment, and address barriers to accessing housing support for survivors.
  • Safeguarding: Assess risks to children and adults, ensuring safety measures are in place, and refer cases to safeguarding and Adult at Risk services where appropriate. Attend multi-agency meetings to advocate for clients' safety and wellbeing.
  • Monitoring & Reporting: Ensure accurate and secure case recording and provide internal and external reports for safeguarding conferences, team meetings, and evaluation purposes. Collaborate with the Data Insights Analyst to ensure project monitoring and evaluation.
  • Crisis Intervention: Participate in the duty team rota, conducting intake assessments and providing immediate crisis intervention as required.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

  • Relevant qualification or training in domestic abuse, criminal justice, housing, or social work.
  • Thorough understanding of domestic violence dynamics, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, forced marriage, and so-called 'honour-based violence.'
  • In-depth knowledge of housing systems, tenancy sustainment, and the legal rights of survivors.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and legislation for both children and adults.

Essential Experience

  • Experience working with women affected by domestic abuse, particularly those with complex housing needs.
  • Strong risk and needs assessment skills, including safety planning and crisis intervention.
  • Proven experience of partnership working with housing providers or in a housing-focused role.
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate for survivors and work effectively within multi-agency partnerships.

How to apply:
To apply submit your CV or contact oliver.jefferson@servicecare.org.uk or contact 01772 208962.