Job Description

Join Us. Grow with Us. Succeed with Us.

Are you looking for your next career move?

Are you looking for a challenge?

Do you want be part of an organisation that works to end violence and abuse in our community?

We are currently recruiting for a Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We are committed to operating within the legal framework of the Equality Act 2010. As our organisation qualifies for an exemption under Section 9 of the Act, we only recruit female candidates for this role. This exemption is applied lawfully and in accordance with the specific occupational requirements of our organisation.

Job Summary

Location :

Water Gardens, Harlow

Type:

On site - hybrid

Salary:

14,945.66 (FTE 28,741.64) per annum

Hours :

19.5 hours per week

Term:

Permanent

Main Responsibilities

1. Identify any safeguarding issues within the services for adults at risk and/or children and follow organisational safeguarding procedures to ensure the swift reporting of concerns to social services and taking any internal actions necessary.

2. In line with the new Domestic Abuse Act, assess children's needs as victims in their own right, making referrals to Changing Pathways' Children's Services for specialist interventions where necessary.

3. Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse survivors using an evidence- based risk identification checklist, providing timely assessment within contract timescales.

4. Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a proactive, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support.

5. Provide advocacy to support high risk survivors of domestic abuse to access services with the aim of reducing their risk of harm and increasing their safety.

6. Keep all high-risk cases under continuing review until such time as they are no longer at imminent risk and then handover to the appropriate service.

7. Work within a multi-agency setting to address the safety of high-risk survivors and ensure that their safety plans are co-ordinated particularly through the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).

8. Advocate for high risk survivors with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:

a. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse survivors and how the IDVA role fits alongside them.

b. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to survivors including legal options, housing, health and finance.

9. Understand the multi-agency partnership structures and work within these settings including proactive participation in the MARAC.

10. Manage a case load ensuring each survivor receives a responsive and appropriate service individual to their needs.

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

12. Support high risk survivors at court hearings relating to the domestic abuse they have experienced.

13. Maintain timely, accurate, confidential records, ensuring all referral and support information is recorded using the On Track case management system. This includes the accurate daily management of the Duty Spreadsheet.

14. Participate in regular case management reviews with line manager thus ensuring case notes are accurately recorded, (current) risk is correctly identified and the most appropriate support and safety plan is in place.

15. Use an action planning approach to support a survivor to move forward and ensure the timely closure of cases as appropriate.

16. Ensure that all safeguarding measures are delivered in respect of the service-users and their children and that at all times you adhere strictly to policies and procedures in respect of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

17. Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising, providing training and institutional advocacy.

18. Contribute to data and written reports with effective case data input and through the provision of case studies to illustrate the impact of the service for domestic abuse victims.

19. Support the attainment and maintenance of quality standards including Women's Aid National Quality Standards and SafeLives Leading Lights.

20. Act in a professional manner at all times, communicating effectively, building and sustaining effective and appropriate relationships at all times with survivors, colleagues and partners.

21. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the service works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

22. Support and coach volunteers and students where appropriate.

23. Remain up to date and compliant with all organisational procedures, policies, and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.

24. Participate in the out of hours on-call rota to deliver telephone support and call-out support in the case of emergencies.

25. Participate as required in the delivery of contingency plans outside of the normal shift pattern.

26. Ensure the highest standards of health and safety are maintained across all sites and report any issues as a matter of urgency.

27. Maintain strict organisational confidentiality, professional boundaries and security procedures.

28. Possess an understanding of vicarious trauma and mitigating vicarious trauma.

GENERAL:

1. Identify own training and development needs and participate in all training courses relevant to the Changing Pathway's commitment to providing high quality services.

2. Work at all times with due regard to the policies and procedures of Changing Pathways, including financial regulations, participating in their development and amendment where required.

3. Willingness to work outside normal working hours including evenings and weekends and to participate in promotional, fundraising and income generating events, activities and any other duties as may be reasonably required by the organisation.

OTHER:

1. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check which will be carried out at appointment of a candidate.

2. This post is subject to completion of a six-month probationary period.

3. Must be mobile to visit sites and work across the whole contract area as required. This may involve occasional evening and weekend working.

4. Business Insurance to be applied to personal insurance.

5. A valid driving licence and own transport is essential for this post.

6. Post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9, part 1

This job description is not designed to provide an exhaustive list of tasks and therefore the post holder is expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within the scope of the post as specified by their line manager.

We do not accept CV applications. If you are interested in the above role, please go to our website https://changingpathways.org/get-involved/jobs/ and download the application pack and application forms

Please email your application forms to

welcome@changingpathways.org

Stating the job you are applying for in the subject title.

Closing date for applications:

31st December 2025

Changing Pathways has a strict no-agency policy.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs or proposals from recruitment agencies. Any CVs or candidate details sent to us without a prior agreement will be considered the property of Changing Pathways, and we will not be liable for any fees or commissions.

Recruitment agencies are kindly requested

not to contact us

regarding vacancies, as we handle all recruitment internally. Thank you for your cooperation.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 14,945.66 per year

Expected hours: 19.5 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Harlow CM20 1AN