Independent Domestic Violence Advocate - Hospital
Location: West Middlesex Hospital (London). Work from Victim Support office, Old Street, and home working where required.
Employment type: Full‑time | Seniority level: Entry level
Posted 5 days ago. 5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.
What We Offer
* Flexible Working Options: hybrid working.
* Generous Annual Leave: 28 days + Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days + Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
* Birthday Leave: an extra day off for your birthday.
* Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
* Enhanced Allowances: enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity payments.
* Exclusive Discounts: high street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment and leisure discounts.
* Financial Wellbeing: access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary‑deducted finance.
* Wellbeing Support: employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
* Inclusive Networks: access to EDI networks and colleague cafés.
* Sustainable Travel: cycle‑to‑work scheme and season‑ticket loans.
* Career Development: ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
About The Role
As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide proactive, high‑quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through ongoing risk assessment, individual safety planning, trauma‑informed support, guidance, information and advocacy, enabling victims to access the services they need after abuse and trauma.
You may work within a Hospital Trust's Safeguarding Team to support patients and staff in an acute hospital setting who have experienced domestic abuse. You will make initial contact with victims, explain our services, assess the impact of crime and receive referrals from colleagues to provide ongoing support and case management.
Key Responsibilities
* Assess risks and needs using evidence‑based checklists.
* Focus on high‑risk cases with short to medium‑term crisis intervention.
* Assist high‑risk victims in accessing safety services.
* Deliver tailored support and information.
* Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
* Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health and financial options.
* Empower clients to recognise domestic abuse dynamics.
* Participate in Multi‑Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
* Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified and sensitive services.
* Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
* Comply with data protection laws and organisational policies.
* Stay updated with procedures, policies and professional codes.
About You
Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and experience working with drug, alcohol and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing and homelessness would also be beneficial.
You Will Need
* Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
* Proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
* Experience in statutory, voluntary or multi‑agency settings.
* Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
* Understanding of safeguarding issues.
* Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
* Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritise work.
* Strong crisis management skills.
* Effective communication, negotiation and advisory skills.
* Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
About Us
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation, and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
As a Disability Confident Employer we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
We are proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are committed to being an antiracist organisation and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities.
How To Apply
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
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