Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team to be part of a new pilot project within Cumbria Police's control room. This is an exciting opportunity for Victim Support Cumbria's IDVA service, as we are part of the second stage roll out of implementing DA specialists into Police call centres.



Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?



Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?



If yes, then we'd love to hear from you...

County/Borough

Cumbria

Office location

Cumbria constabulary control room, Carlton Hall, Penrith

Full time/Part time

Full time

Hours per week

30

Work schedule

Thursday to Sunday 4pm to 12pm with 30 minute break

Basic Salary

Qualified- 24,488.80 per annum (this includes 22,888.80 per annum plus 1600.00 per annum Unsociable hours allowance- FTE 28,611.00 per annum plus 2000.00 per annum) Unqualified- 23,064.16 per annum (this includes 21,464.16 per annum plus 1600.00 per annum unsocial hours- FTE 26,830.20 per annum plus 2000.00 per annum)

Allowances

Unsociable Hours

Contract type

Fixed Term

DBS required?

Enhanced

End date (if fixed term)

31/08/2026

Police vetting required?

Yes

Closing Date

31/10/2025

Ref No

6348

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:


Flexible working options including hybrid working 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave Pension with 5% employer contribution Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based in Cumbria Police headquarters, Carlton Hall, Penrith



Please review the IDVA job description and additional information document attached to this vacancy for further details & responsibilities of this new exciting role.

As an IDVA you will:

Provide a high quality, pro-active service to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse. You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and the Bridgeway, SARC and other local partnership responses to domestic abuse and sexual violence. You will work with survivors and other agencies to monitor the care pathway. This involves risk assessment, helping clients access their rights, along with any other services they require. You will be required to attend relevant meetings and will provide regular reports to your line manager. You will also undertake talks and presentations to local groups and agencies on the work of Victim Support, developing networks and partnerships and increasing the role of the service in the community.

You will need:

Experience of working with victims of domestic and sexual violence and other service providers and agencies in a statutory, voluntary, social or community setting. Experience of planning and delivering caseloads, with strong crisis management skills and an understanding of the needs of victims experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. An approved and accredited IDVA and/or ISVA qualification or willingness to work towards this. Good IT skills, knowledge of criminal justice issues and an understanding of the effects a court appearance can have on victims and witnesses of crime.

Please see attached and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.



Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.



Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.



If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.