Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Dyddiad hysbysebu:	13 Mehefin 2025
Cyflog:	£35,235 i £37,938 bob blwyddyn
Oriau:	Llawn Amser
Dyddiad cau:	04 Gorffennaf 2025
Lleoliad:	Shoreham-By-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6GA
Cwmni:	West Sussex County Council
Math o swydd:	Cytundeb
Cyfeirnod swydd:	CAFHE05813_1749798872

Crynodeb

We are seeking a dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (ISVA) to play a vital role in identifying, assessing, and supporting victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, with the aim of enhancing their safety and the safety of their families.

The Changing Futures Programme Sussex is one of 15 national Programme's bringing together public and community sector partners to redesign ways that local systems and services are designed, delivered and commissioned to better meet the needs of people experiencing multiple disadvantage.

Changing Futures Sussex works in partnership and is embedded across the three Local Authority areas: East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

Multiple Disadvantage is defined by the national Changing Futures Programme as people who experience three or more of: homelessness, current or historical offending, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and mental ill health.

The Changing Futures Programme Sussex aims to create an environment where individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage can receive flexible, trauma informed, person-centred support when they need it, leading to increased periods of stability and more opportunities to make positive changes in their lives.

For more information around the Changing Futures Programme, please visit www.changingfuturessussex.org

If you have strong organisational skills, the talent to genuinely negotiate and inspire others to embrace a shared vision, and approach challenges with a dedicated, methodical mindset - we would like to hear from you!

Salary: £35,235 to £37,938 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2026.

Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Location: Glebelands, Middle Rd, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6GA with required countywide travel.

Interview Date: week commencing 14 July 2025

Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position.

This role requires the successful candidate to travel independently to various venues, council locations, and family homes across the County, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes available.

Regular attendance at your base location will also be necessary, and there will be opportunities for remote work. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the successful candidate.

This is essential for working closely with colleagues and families, offering them the vital face-to-face support they deserve.

About the Job

Our work in the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) brings a unique experience each day, filled with unexpected challenges and rewards! There are several key responsibilities that are likely to be integral to this role, including:

• Provide direct support to clients who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and abuse, ensuring they receive appropriate services and have access to necessary support.
• Critical task of managing crises for victims and survivors at high risk, providing compassionate, trauma-informed support and advocacy that prioritises the safety and well-being of the victim/survivor and their children.
• Operate within a multi-agency setting, ensuring that clients' safety remains a central priority in all coordinated responses.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partner agencies to deliver the highest quality service to victims and survivors.
• Deliver comprehensive training to professionals and stakeholders to enhance understanding, awareness and impact of domestic abuse.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the community, then this role is perfect for you.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant degree qualification in a related field or demonstrated experience, whether paid or voluntary, in supporting individuals in stressful and challenging circumstances.
• Safelives IDVA qualification or a willingness to pursue this accreditation.
• A full, valid UK driving licence.
• Demonstrable experience working in a multi-agency environment to support victims and survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.
• Excellent crisis management skills, demonstrating the ability to respond calmly and effectively to clients in highly sensitive, challenging, or complex situations.
• Experience of working compassionately with vulnerable people and diligently managing a complex, varied caseload.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, and to provide clear, empathetic, and informed guidance while upholding professional boundaries.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

Rewards and Benefits

We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 27 days annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years' service, plus the opportunity to buy additional leave and an excellent local government pension scheme

A range of discounts give our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CAFHE05813.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure all that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.

Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.

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