Job Vacancy: Court Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA)

Job Title: Court Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA)
Responsible for: Volunteers
Direct Reports: NIDAS Senior Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor
Based: Norfolk multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH)

Job Purpose

The Court IDVA will be part of our team within the Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS), which is a community-based service providing an effective, safe, supportive, and confidential support for service users aged 16 plus and their families, including children aged 5-18, who are assessed as high or medium risk, and living with or fleeing domestic abuse.

The purpose of the role is to work in a multi-agency framework providing a range of support to reduce the risk of further harm posed to service users and support them to safely engage with criminal justice proceedings, Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Coordination’s (MARACs), the Sanctuary Scheme and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) processes as appropriate.

You will work alongside a caseload of service users identified with a case in the criminal justice system and monitor outcomes of hearings in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Kings Lynn courts. You will update victims on the progress of criminal justice cases and feedback relevant to criminal justice agencies ensuring the victims voice is central to the process. You will ensure service users receive an excellent level of support that uses a strengths-based and trauma informed approach and is centred around their aims and aspirations.

Your role will be part of a rota system operating over 7 days a week. You will be required to represent the service by providing presentations and attending events as required and support the NIDAS Partnership Board in working towards the best possible outcomes for our service users.

This role is subject to DBS and enhance Police security clearance.

Full and accredited IDVA training will be provided where necessary to give the skills and knowledge required for the role (subject to successful completion of probationary period).

Key Strategic Responsibilities

  • Work in a multi-agency framework and environment, safeguarding adults and children.
  • Promote Equality, Diversity, Fairness, and Inclusion at all times.
  • Promote a ‘Team NIDAS’ culture across the service delivery.
  • Ensure that our service users voices are central to all aspects of service delivery and is evidenced through safety and support planning, risk assessment and reviews.
  • Be part of a team of community and family IDVAs and work collaboratively with colleagues throughout the NIDAS Partnership to deliver our visions, values, and objectives.
  • Be innovative in identifying methods to successfully engage with people across a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse needs.
  • Look for opportunities to improve and develop services that we offer.
  • To promote collaboration and multi-agency working for service users and maintain up to date knowledge of local services to enable recovery.
  • Support our service users to link into statutory, health and social care services to maximise their wellbeing and recovery.
  • To implement NIDAS’s strategy on consultation and service user involvement to ensure that all service users are able to participate and contribute to the development of the NIDAS service.

Key Functional Responsibilities

  • Build effective relationships with each service user and engage at their pace and in their preferred way; taking a service user led, flexible approach to providing practical and emotional support and advocacy.
  • To manage a case load of the high/medium risk cases within the criminal justice system, and regularly review support and safety needs in line with the accredited standards.
  • Facilitate a holistic assessment with each service user, building a relationship and creating a personalised support plan that incorporates risk and safety, and builds on their strengths and needs.
  • Participate in facilitation of group programmes within the service, supporting colleagues and service users to create and contribute to an environment that makes participation safe, supportive, and fulfilling. Similarly, support group programmes and activities including drop-ins at other services to support service users in the community.
  • Comply with all Health & Safety policy and procedures and carry out activities in a safe manner.
  • Maintain accurate and thorough case records.
  • Comply within Data Protection and GDRP legislation and best practice.
  • To offer telephone, virtual, group or face to face advice and support to service users who have been assessed as high or medium risk.To participate in MARAC meetings and service user groups as required.
  • To liaise with other teams within the NIDAS partnership to ensure seamless handover of service between the triage service and other teams within NIDAS.
  • To track cases through the Police, CPS, court and other systems to ensure service users have accurate and up to date information in compliance with the GDPR, confidentiality and data protection.
  • To provide or coordinate support for criminal justice trials as required.
  • To ensure that all Safeguarding issues and concerns are reported and dealt with in accordance with organisational policy and procedure, Legislation, and best practice.
  • To have a good understand of the criminal justice system.
  • To promote and work within the policies and guidelines of NIDAS and employing organisations.
  • To work at a different location either on a temporary or permanent basis upon reasonable notice, as part of your normal duties.
  • To help and take part on request with any other such duties that are reasonably required to support NIDAS.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

  • An accredited IDVA qualification or working towards one.
  • Driving Licence, Business insurance and ability to travel across Norfolk

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a voluntary or statutory agency for a minimum of two years with victims of domestic abuse.
  • Experience of public speaking and advocating for victims.
  • Experience of using risk assessment tools for victims of domestic abuse.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of legislation around safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, engaging with service users, colleagues, and partners.
  • IT skills including use of Microsoft Office, Teams, case management systems, and databases.
  • Inquisitive and problem solving. A commitment to seeking new ways of working to achieve positive outcomes.
  • A clear understanding of Data Protection, confidentiality, and data sharing protocols.
  • An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on young people, children, and families.

Desirable

  • An understanding of a strengths-based and trauma informed approach to support.

Values

Essential

  • Reliable, enthusiastic, non-judgmental, and understanding.
  • Ability to be flexible and work independently, or as part of a team
  • Ability to respond calmly in sometimes pressured situations.
  • Respect and value the diversity of the community and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service and your approach is accessible to all.
  • Always seek to expand your learning and undertake all training and development essential for this role.