Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
An exciting opportunity for a compassionate and organised professional with experience supporting vulnerable adults and children, safeguarding, advocacy, risk assessment and multi‑agency working within domestic abuse or violence against women and girls services.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you:
* Domestic Abuse Support Worker
* IDVA Practitioner
* Safeguarding Advocate
* Court Support Worker
* Family Court IDVA / Specialist Family Court Advocate
* Criminal Justice IDVA
* Specialist Court Advocate
* Mentor Court IDVA
* Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDAA)
* Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
* Senior IDVA / Lead Advocate
* Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner
* Domestic Abuse Lead / Domestic Abuse Liaison
* Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker
SALARY: £25,282 to £28,861 per annum + Benefits
LOCATION: Covering the Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley areas of the Black Country (cases heard in Wolverhampton or Telford Family Court), you will be expected to work from one of the offices in Sandwell, Walsall or Dudley.
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support victim/survivors and their children through the Family Court process across the Black Country and West Midlands.
As a Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) you will provide trauma-informed advocacy, safeguarding support, risk assessment and safety planning while working closely with partner agencies, court professionals and multi‑agency teams.
The organisation is looking for a compassionate and resilient Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) with excellent communication, report writing and caseload management skills who can empower victims and promote safe outcomes for families and children.
DUTIES
* Provide Advocacy and Support: Act as the main contact for victim-survivors and their children throughout the Family Court process
* Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify risks using recognised tools and develop effective safety planning strategies
* Prepare Court Reports: Produce detailed, accurate reports outlining the impact of domestic abuse on families and children
* Support Court Attendance: Ensure service users are prepared for hearings and can attend safely with appropriate support
* Deliver Post-Court Support: Provide ongoing safety planning and guidance following court decisions
* Work with Partner Agencies: Collaborate with multi‑agency professionals to ensure coordinated and effective support
* Offer Specialist Advice: Act as a subject matter expert on domestic abuse for court staff and stakeholders
* Maintain Case Records: Ensure accurate, timely documentation and case management in line with safeguarding requirements
* Promote Safeguarding: Follow safeguarding procedures and elevate concerns relating to vulnerable adults and children
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
* Previous experience supporting vulnerable adults and children affected by domestic abuse or violence against women and girls
* Proven experience of safeguarding, crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning
* Experience of working within a multi‑agency environment and advocating on behalf of clients
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presenting information professionally
* Ability to manage a varied caseload and work effectively to deadlines
* Knowledge of domestic abuse, safeguarding legislation and trauma‑informed approaches
* Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, databases and virtual communication platforms
* Ability to build supportive, professional and non‑judgemental relationships with clients and stakeholders
* A relevant qualification at Level 3 or above or direct experience within domestic abuse services
* Eligible to work in the UK
DESIRABLE
* IDVA qualification or specialist domestic abuse training
* Experience facilitating group work or supporting volunteers and students
* Knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies relating to domestic abuse
* Understanding of motivational interviewing techniques
* Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across the Black Country and Family Court locations
BENEFITS
* Mileage allowance
* Training and development opportunities
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to group clinical supervision with a BACP trained counsellor
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Wellbeing day entitlement
* Annual leave buy back scheme
* Time off in lieu when overtime is required
* 5% employer pension contribution
This role requires a DBS check.
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