Job Description

*Applications only from www.smt.org.uk/jobs

Job Summary:

SMT and Thrive Women's Aid are registered charities specialising in domestic abuse, adopting a whole family approach we provide advocacy, support, awareness and early intervention, recognition and behaviour change. Working collaboratively, SMT and Thrive are the appointed service providers for the Family Court Pathfinder service in the Mid & West Wales Designated Family Judge area.

Job Title:

Family Court Pathfinder Independent Domestic Violence Adviser

Number of hours:

up to 37 Hours per week (part time and job share considered)

Remuneration:

Salary - 29,705 p.a. (FTE)

Contract:

Current funding to 31st March 2026, pending review thereafter

Benefits

A generous package including 25 days holiday a year (rising by one for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30) plus public and discretionary holidays, Flexible Working Hours Scheme, employee pension scheme, childcare voucher scheme.

We are recruiting 1 full time IDVA posts, part time and job share will be considered.

These posts are restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Purpose of the post:

- Lead the provision of specialist domestic abuse support to families accessing Family Court where there are concerns, evidence and/or accusations of domestic abuse, including the completion of Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence (DASH) assessments with victim-survivors referred to them by Cafcass Cymru and provision of in-court IDVA support to those who need it.

- Support an investigative and problem-solving approach which integrates the court with wider services that can support families.

- Support a child welfare focused approach and work closely with agencies to promote the voice of the child.

Main Tasks:

1. Adopting a trauma informed, strengths based and needs led approach with all victims and survivors of domestic abuse accessing the Family Court system offering support, information and advocacy to maximise positive and timely outcomes at court.

2. Identify and assess the risks and needs of families referred to the service using the DASH risk identification checklist and provide the assessments to the referring social work agency (CAFCASS Cymru or Local Authority) within agreed timescales.

3. Attend Family Court to offer support and advocacy to those who require it, including giving advice to the court on individual family circumstances.

4. Adopting a multi-agency approach, improve coordination between the Family Court and agencies, such as local authorities and Police and the way allegations of domestic abuse and other risks of harm are dealt with.

5. Work with partners to enable earlier engagement with children within proceedings, ensuring their voice, feelings and wishes are centred within the process.

6. Provide high quality telephone or face to face support, advice and advocacy to service users in respect of their rights, housing, legal options, health and finance.

7. Empower individuals to know and exercise their rights and protect these by holding to account agencies who are responsible for respecting, promoting, and fulfilling these rights.

8. Support the empowerment of victims and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation and help them regain control of their lives.

9. Check in with families after final orders have been made providing advice, support and signposting as necessary.

10. Contribute to and participate in multi-disciplinary training including specialist domestic abuse training.

11. Participate in multi agency conferences in respect of safeguarding children and adults as required, providing reports and undertaking actions as necessary.

12. Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policies and procedures.

13. Commit to ensuring a non-discriminatory service which includes identifying barriers to access for vulnerable groups.

The suitable candidates will have demonstrable experience of supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, a proven track record of managing a caseload, including support planning, risk assessment and multi-agency working and in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice and family court systems, in relation to domestic abuse.

It matters that our workforce represents as many identities and backgrounds as possible, and we welcome applications from all sections of our communities.

All posts will be subject to suitable employment screening checks which includes eligibility to work in the UK, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and a minimum of two previous employment references.

A current valid driving licence and the ability to provide a suitable vehicle for work use are essential.

To obtain job descriptions and an application form please visit SMT website:

www.smt.org.uk/jobs

Closing date for applications is: 5:00pm, Tuesday 5th August 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday, 13th August 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 29,705.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Schedule:

Flexitime Holidays Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 05/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/10/2025