Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
Location: Grimsby & Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
Salary: £25,389 per annum (unqualified), under review September 2026
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm, with flexibility to meet client needs
Additional: Approximately 1–2 on-call shifts per month
Reporting to: Support Supervisor, Support Manager and Head of Operations
About the Role
North East Lincs Women’s Aid is seeking a committed and highly organised Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) / Outreach Support Worker to provide high-quality, trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
This is a demanding and rewarding role involving the management of a complex caseload, including individuals at high risk of serious harm. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and managing risk, developing safety plans, maintaining accurate case records and working proactively with survivors and partner agencies to improve safety and outcomes.
The role requires compassion, professional judgement, strong organisational skills and the ability to work confidently in a fast-paced environment where safeguarding and effective case management are critical.
Key Responsibilities
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Receive referrals through the Single Point of Contact (SPOC), make initial contact within one working day and prioritise high-risk cases.
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Provide proactive, person-centred and trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
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Manage an open caseload of approximately 25 clients, covering a range of risk and support needs, including complex cases.
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Complete and regularly review DASH risk assessments, ensuring appropriate actions are identified, followed up and recorded.
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Develop comprehensive, individualised safety and support plans focused on reducing risk and improving the safety of survivors and their children.
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Monitor cases closely, follow up actions and ensure support is delivered consistently and within agreed timescales.
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Provide information about available options and empower survivors to make informed decisions about their circumstances.
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Offer practical and emotional support while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
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Support survivors experiencing domestic abuse from current or former partners or family members.
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Work with clients to understand abusive behaviours, strengthen their independence and identify future goals and aspirations.
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Support clients with housing, resettlement and access to appropriate practical services where required.
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Provide support and advocacy through criminal, civil and legal justice processes, explaining procedures, rights and available sources of legal assistance.
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Participate in MARAC meetings, actions, research and information sharing where required.
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Build effective working relationships with statutory services, housing providers, police, health services and other external agencies.
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Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date electronic case records, including contact notes, risk assessments, safety plans and outcomes.
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Participate in case file reviews, audits and performance monitoring, ensuring records meet organisational and safeguarding standards.
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Prepare client reports, feedback and other documentation when required.
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Respond promptly and appropriately to telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries.
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Participate in outreach, drop-in and advice sessions across different community and partner-agency locations.
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Participate in the organisation’s on-call rota and respond appropriately to urgent or emergency situations.
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Work independently and as part of a wider support team, following lone-working and safeguarding procedures.
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Attend supervision, clinical supervision, team meetings, training and relevant external meetings.
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Complete accredited IDVA training and maintain mandatory training and professional development.
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Support service evaluation, monitoring and consultation with service users.
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Promote awareness of domestic abuse and the services available locally.
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Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection, safeguarding, equality and organisational policies at all times.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
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Highly organised, methodical and able to manage competing priorities.
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Comfortable managing a complex and sometimes high-risk caseload.
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Accurate and consistent when completing records, reports and case documentation.
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Confident making professional judgements and managing safeguarding risks.
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Compassionate, empathetic and able to build trust and rapport quickly.
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Able to support survivors while respecting their autonomy, choices and strengths.
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Comfortable working with distress, conflict and emotionally challenging situations.
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Able to maintain professional boundaries while providing effective advocacy and support.
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Confident working independently while remaining accountable to management.
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Strong in communication, interpersonal skills and partnership working.
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Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines and performance standards.
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Flexible and willing to participate in out-of-hours support when required.
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Committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and non-discriminatory practice.
Essential Experience
You should have experience of:
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Supporting individuals with a range of needs.
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Undertaking client needs and risk assessments.
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Safety planning and risk management.
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Managing a caseload and prioritising competing demands.
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Working with external agencies and multi-disciplinary partners.
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Maintaining accurate case files and electronic records.
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Report writing and presenting information.
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Working to performance indicators, standards and deadlines.
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Managing crisis situations, conflict and distress.
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Working independently and as part of a team.
Essential Knowledge
You should have knowledge and understanding of:
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Domestic abuse and its impact on victims, survivors, children and families.
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Safeguarding principles and practice.
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Homelessness and housing-related issues.
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Welfare benefits, employment and education pathways.
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Local services, agencies and community resources.
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The impact of drug, alcohol and mental health issues.
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Health and safety and lone-working requirements.
Qualifications
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Any recognised professional qualification is desirable.
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Willingness to undertake accredited IDVA training is essential.
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Relevant qualifications or training in domestic abuse, safeguarding, social care, counselling, housing or related disciplines would be advantageous.
Working Arrangements
The role is primarily based across Grimsby and Cleethorpes, including Women’s Aid offices, women-only spaces, refuge services, outreach locations and partner-agency settings.
The successful candidate must be willing to work flexibly according to client needs and participate in an on-call rota of approximately 1–2 shifts per month.
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable/required for the operational requirements of the role.
As the position includes working within women-only spaces, including refuge accommodation, applications are invited from women in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to join an organisation committed to providing high-quality, safety-focused support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
You will receive:
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Salary of £25,389 per annum for unqualified staff, currently under review.
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Monday–Friday working pattern, normally 9:00am–5:00pm.
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On-call payments of £15 per weeknight and £30 per weekend/bank holiday night.
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Call-out payment of £20 per hour.
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Professional supervision and support.
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Access to relevant training and development.
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The opportunity to complete accredited IDVA training.
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The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to survivor safety and long-term wellbeing.
