We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female Rural Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team based in South Gloucestershire. You will join us on a full-time, Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2026 working 37.5 hours per week with some with some additional evening and Saturday work on a rota basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,598 (unqualified) or £30,024 (qualified) per annum plus benefits .
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. 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 the following fantastic benefits:
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 of domestic abuse across South Gloucestershire.
Working across Next Link with victim's in rural areas of South Gloucestershire and in close partnership working with Lighthouse, MARAC, DRIVE and rural agencies to provide co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy to female or male survivors of domestic violence and their children.
The role involves empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety and recovery.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Female Rural Independent Domestic Violence Advisor:
To establish and maintain support to survivors and their children, with a victim centred approach, focussing on safety and recovery
Providing support to enable survivors to safely maintain their current accommodation, access welfare benefits, legal advice alternative housing, and support services.
Maintain an effective support service with the aim of enabling the survivor and her children to develop the skills and resources necessary to move on and maintain independence and self-reliance.
Co deliver Survivor programmes (e.g. Freedom Programme) and Peer Support group work activities
Provide training to professionals that work across rural communities
Champion service user empowerment and involvement
To liaise effectively and collaboratively with all appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users
This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.
What we are looking for in our ideal Female Rural Independent Domestic Violence Advisor:
An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on women, men and children
Knowledge of the safety options available to survivors experiencing domestic abuse
Experience of support planning and risk assessment
Experience of assessing the risks and needs of vulnerable people who have experienced domestic abuse and/or complex needs
Experience working with the police, Lighthouse, MARAC and DRIVE
An understanding of cultural diversity
A full driving licence and access to transport
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering female victims of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us as our IDVA and contribute to the valuable work Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
How to apply:
Pleasedownload the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am on Friday 10th October 2025. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 21st October 2025.
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