The Early Childhood Partnership has recently been awarded the Medium to Standard Risk Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and Therapeutic Support Service by the Bedfordshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). As part of this exciting development, we are seeking a dedicated Children’s Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA) to join our growing team. This role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting children and young people across Bedfordshire who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse. Key Responsibilities: • Provide practical and emotional support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse, including teenage relationship violence. • Develop and implement both immediate and long-term safety plans in collaboration with the child or young person. • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and work to reduce potential harm. • Facilitate access to therapeutic, legal, housing, educational, and other community support services. • Empower young people to achieve their personal goals and build resilience. • Work in close partnership with schools, social care, health services, and other agencies to ensure coordinated and effective responses. • Support and advise professionals in partner agencies to better identify, understand, and respond to children and young people impacted by domestic abuse. We are looking for someone who is: • Experienced in working with children and young people, particularly those affected by trauma or abuse. • Knowledgeable about domestic abuse, its impact on children, and relevant safeguarding legislation. • Skilled in risk assessment, safety planning, and multi-agency working. • Compassionate, empathetic, and committed to empowering young people. • Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Desirable Qualifications and Experience: • IDVA or equivalent domestic abuse training. • Background in youth work, social work, counselling, or education. Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to be part of a newly commissioned service, with the chance to shape how children and young people are supported across Bedfordshire. You will join a committed, child-centered team working to ensure that every young person affected by domestic abuse has a voice and a pathway to recovery. *Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.* At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. About Us One YMCA and its subsidiaries, the Early Childhood Partnership (ECP) and Signpost are on an exciting journey to double our impact by 2025. We are over half way through an exciting new strategy launched in the first hour of the new decade, via email where all staff and volunteers were invited to put themselves forward to apply and attend an intensive, three-day Kickstarter Event. By the end of these three days, there was a brilliantly multi-faceted set of themes and ideas, which formed the starting point for the rest of the Mission 25 process to build on. The aim of Mission 25 is to give every staff member and volunteer the opportunity to play their part in shaping the strategy to do “more and better, together” so that we double our impact by 2025. We deliver a vast array of services across Herts, Beds and Bucks that reach over 135,000 individuals annually. These include: Provision of over 700 units of accommodation for homeless people Move on accommodation for individuals moving onto independent living Housing and practical/emotional support for young asylum seekers Community HUBs hosting a range of activities and meeting space hire Childcare provision in Hertfordshire Family support through a network of children’s and family centres covering Hertfordshire and Bedford Therapeutic and non-therapeutic support for male and female victims of domestic abuse and their children Independent sexual violence services across Bedfordshire, Luton and Hertfordshire Domestic abuse perpetrator reform programmes across Bedfordshire Youth services offering emotional wellbeing support and youth club opportunities for 11-19 year olds alongside our National Airplay programme funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund A community gym where everyone can enjoy the benefits of physical exercise Our values remain at the forefront of how we operate as a charity, and it is important to us that all staff and volunteers can fully buy in to our ethos. The Benefits Benefit 4 Benefit 5 Benefit 6 About Us One YMCA and its subsidiaries, the Early Childhood Partnership (ECP) and Signpost are on an exciting journey to double our impact by 2025. We are over half way through an exciting new strategy launched in the first hour of the new decade. The aim of Mission 25 is to give every staff member and volunteer the opportunity to play their part in shaping the strategy to do “more and better, together” so that we double our impact by 2025. We deliver a vast array of services across Herts, Beds and Bucks that reach over 135,000 individuals annually. One YMCA and ECPs use a strength based and trauma informed approach to delivering therapeutic and specialist support services, to children, young people and adults across Herts and Beds. Our highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated staff team fit within our six therapeutic and specialist arms: Specialist Domestic and Sexual Violence Support, Behaviour Change Programmes, Adult Counselling, CYP Counselling and Play Therapy, Therapeutic Group Programmes and Professional Development. Other areas of work One YMCA supports our communities: Provision of over 700 units of accommodation for homeless people. Move on accommodation for individuals moving onto independent living. Housing and practical/emotional support for young asylum seekers. Community HUBs hosting a range of activities and meeting space hire. Childcare provision in Hertfordshire. Family support through a network of children’s and family centres covering Hertfordshire and Bedford. Youth services offering emotional wellbeing support and youth club opportunities for 11-19 year olds alongside our National Airplay programme funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund. Our Values We champion RESPECT so everyone can belong We show COMPASSION so everyone can contribute We inspire GROWTH so everyone can thrive Current Benefits Health Cash Plan Covers healthcare expenses from optical and dental care to therapy treatments. Shared pot for children included. EAP & Doctorline Confidential help and advice line (24 hours) on medical, legal, and domestic issues. Rewards & Discounts Special offers from hundreds of leading online and high street retailers & Discounts on gym memberships. Birthday and Wellbeing day off One day additional leave day for every year of service up to 5 days. Leave & Support Support for your child, IVF treatment, and through challenging times. Career Pathway Training & Development with a clear pathway for you to grow. Documents