Job Title Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
Victim Support
Job Description
Job Title Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
Location Tower Hamlets
Reporting to Hate Crime Manager
Hours 37.5 weekly (full-time)
______
Purpose of the job
· To be the main point of contact for the victim and the local police CSU.
· To provide a pro-active service for victims of domestic violence in order to keep them safe and assist them through the Criminal Justice System.
· To work within a multi-agency setting to ensure all agencies do their part and co-ordinate their work to keep people safe.
Main duties
1. Provide a pro-active support service to high risk victims of DV to keep them and their children safe.
2. Carry out risk assessments and deliver the service appropriately in keeping with the result.
3. Develop individual service plans to adequately accommodate the needs and risks of each client.
4. Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to clients
5. Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.
6. Support and guide clients through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system. Update victims with the outcome of each court appearance, including the final disposal, in line with the Victims Code of Practice. This includes new court dates, trial dates and case management hearings, and any change in the conditions affecting the defendant, i.e. if the defendant is given bail after being remanded in custody originally, and any bail conditions or change to current conditions imposed. Witnesses living at the same address will also be advised of court dates etc. To discuss ‘special measures’ available for giving evidence and liaise with the Witness Service at court and CPS. To advise the WCU and CPO (case progression officer) of any issues effecting an impending trial.
7. Provide support and guidance through the Family Law Courts as necessary.
8. Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary.
9. Maintain up to date records of all cases.
10. Follow specified procedures and information sharing protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process.
11. Keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.
12. Liaise with manager on a regular basis regarding individual cases, with a view to developing and improving services.
13. Report to the Domestic Violence Forum on good and poor practice issues and any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing particular services.
14. Work with and maintain contact with the local police CSU.
15. Produce timely and accurate data to assist in the production of statistics and reports.
16. Observe Victim Support and other agencies confidentiality guidelines when dealing with personal records and information.
17. In conjunction with partner agencies, assist clients towards breaking the cycle of abuse and regaining control of their lives.
18. Attendance at meetings as required.
19. To carry out all duties in line with Health and Safety policies and procedures.
20. Be prepared to be flexible in meeting the demands of the post, as the post holder will be expected to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Person Specification
Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
Department: Victim Support Tower Hamlets
Experience
§ Previous experience of working with victims of domestic violence in either the statutory or voluntary sector. (S)
Knowledge
§ Knowledge of current policies and initiatives on domestic violence at a national and local level. (S)
§ Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and legal responsibilities. (S)
§ Basic understanding of the Criminal and Civil Justice process.
§ Commitment to Health and Safety policies and procedures
§ Commitment to working within an Equal Opportunities framework and awareness of diversity issues
Skills and Abilities
§ Proven skills and understanding of the impact of domestic violence on victims and their children. (S)
§ Proven skills in working and supporting victims of domestic violence, including managing a portfolio of clients.
§ Strong crisis management skills. (S)
§ Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.
§ Pro-active and confident communicator with excellent inter-personal & communication skills (verbal and written).
§ Able to prioritise own workload and deal with competing demands.
§ Able to work without direct supervision.
§ Literary and administrative skills including computer skills, data collection, and report writing. (S)