Closing Date: Friday 19th September 2025
Interview Dates: 30th September & 1st November
Job Purpose
The Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA) provides specialist support and advocacy to individuals assessed as being at high risk of serious harm or homicide from a current or former partner, or a family member.
The IDSVA works directly with clients to:
* Identify risk factors and develop tailored safety plans to reduce risks and increase safety.
* Provide information, advice, and practical support to meet individual needs on a short to medium-term basis.
* Support clients across a range of areas including personal and environmental safety (for themselves and their children), navigating the Civil and Criminal Court process, Child Protection and Safeguarding, and Housing.
The IDSVA also represents and advocates on behalf of clients at the Knowsley MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) and works in partnership with a wide range of agencies and organisations, including the Police, Social Services, Housing Providers, Probation and Prisons, Education, Health practitioners, and voluntary sector organisations.
About Us
The First Step is a dedicated domestic abuse charity based in Knowsley, supporting adults, children, and families affected by domestic abuse. For nearly 30 years, we have provided specialist services that empower survivors to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity.
We offer a range of support, including refuge accommodation, community-based services, advocacy, and prevention work. Our approach is trauma-informed, person-centred, and rooted in the values of respect, equality, and inclusivity.
By working in partnership with local agencies, we ensure survivors have access to the resources, safety planning, and opportunities they need to move forward. Our team is passionate, professional, and committed to making a real difference in the lives of those we support.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide a proactive service offering information, advice, support, and advocacy to victim-survivors of domestic abuse, to assist with increasing their safety.
* Assess risk levels using the Merseyside Risk Indicator Toolkit (MeRIT) and develop appropriate responses.
* Refer cases to MARAC, represent clients at bi-monthly meetings, and advocate on their behalf.
* Work collaboratively with MARAC partner agencies and other relevant organisations to complete agreed actions, make referrals, and signpost clients to additional services where appropriate.
* Keep partner agencies informed of significant changes in a client's circumstances and advocate on behalf of clients to address barriers to support.
* Ensure clients are fully informed of their options, with particular emphasis on civil, criminal, legal, and housing pathways, to enable informed decision-making.
* Agree and implement individual safety plans with clients, ensuring follow-up actions are completed.
* Accompany clients to meetings and appointments where support is required.
* Support clients through the Criminal Justice System by explaining procedures, advising on available measures (e.g. special measures), and providing updates on case outcomes.
* Support clients through Civil Court processes.
* Manage a caseload effectively, maintaining accurate records of client contact, support provided, referrals made, and case progress. This includes preparing reports, correspondence, and carrying out associated administrative tasks.
* Assist the IDSVA Team Leader with monitoring and evaluation requirements of The First Step.
* Maintain awareness of the legal framework for child protection and safeguarding adults, ensuring compliance with The First Step's policies and procedures, as well as those of the Local Safeguarding Children and Adults Boards.
* Be responsible for recording and maintaining accurate petty cash transactions.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
* Are you experienced in identifying risk factors and creating safety plans to support survivors of domestic abuse?
* Do you have any domestic/sexual abuse training or qualifications?
* Have you had at least 2 years of experience working within a domestic/sexual abuse support service?
Desirable
* SafeLives IDSVA Accreditation (or willing to work towards)
* Women's Aid - Certificate in Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse – Level 3 (or willing to work towards)
Previous applicants need not apply
Full job description available on the website:
Funding: Funded till 31st March with possibility to extend for a further 2 years.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 31 months
Pay: £29,984.10-£33,100.00 per year
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Do you have any previous experience working in a domestic/sexual abuse support setting?
* Are you experienced in identifying risk factors and creating safety plans to support survivors of domestic abuse?
Work Location: In person