We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Rural IDVA to join our team based in North Somerset. You will join us on a part-time, Maternity Cover Contract to 31/03/2026, working 22.5 hours per week including participation in an out of hours telephone on-call rota and some evenings and Saturdays. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 12 (unqualified) £28,598 or Point 15 £30,024 (qualified) per annum pro rata plus benefits .
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. With a focus on survivor's safety and recovery; we believe the provision of flexible support tailored to survivor's needs can be transforming, helping to maximise independence and self-determination so survivors can make informed choices.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
3 extra holidays including International Women's Day
Excellent development and training opportunities
Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Long Service Awards
Health and Wellbeing programme
About the role:
This post will be based within Next Link Domestic abuse services providing outreach, and community-based support to high risk victims across North Somerset. Working closely with the Lighthouse, One Front Door and MARAC to provide co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy to female or male high risk survivors of domestic violence and their children,
The role involves empowering high risk survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female* Rural IDVA:
To carry out risk assessments including DASH, co-produce safety plans with the service user regularly review the plans, enabling survivors to assess and manage risk to their own and their children's safety. Amend plans as appropriate when circumstances change and attend the MARAC and refer service users when appropriate.
Carry out needs assessments which effectively establish the support needs of individuals and families and enable support to be offered as quickly as possible. Respond flexibly as the individuals or family's needs and risks change
Promote the service through building positive relationships with the Police, Lighthouse, current and potential referrers and service users to ensure a steady flow of appropriate referrals.
When appropriate, using our established protocols, make referrals to Addaction for Substance Misuse support services and AWP Mental Health services for a mental health assessment
Liaise closely with applicant and referral agencies and keep informed of progress and outcome of their referral/assessment.
What we are looking for in our ideal Female* Rural IDVA:
Be IDVA qualified
Proven experience of working with women / men and children who have survived domestic abuse
Extensive experience of supporting high risk victims
Experience working with the police, Lighthouse and MARAC
Experience of undertaking individual assessments including DASH risk assessments and developing and delivering safety and support plans.
Experience of co-producing short and longer term risk management, safety planning and support with survivors and their children experiencing Domestic Abuse
A full driving licence, access to your own transport with business insurance
How to apply:
Pleasedownload the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am Monday 17/11/2025. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held on a date to be agreed.
Next Link is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of abuse, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Next Link is committed to Equal Opportunities. *Due to the specific requirements of this role, this post is exempt under the Equality Act (2010), Part 1, Schedule 9 (Genuine Occupational Requirement) Next Link is part of Missing Link Housing
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