We’re looking for two kind, compassionate and resilient Independent Domestic Violence Advisers to join our Homelessness service in London.

£31,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel valued? You’ll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren’t token gestures - we’ve thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

The London Domestic Abuse Advise Service provides support to address the risk of customers who are already involved with Look Ahead services. Customers are referred from all four specialisms of the organisation; Young People; Homelessness; Mental Health; and Learning Disabilities.

The role of an IDVA is to address the safety of victims and survivors of domestic abuse using DASH RIC and Individual Safety and Support Plans and represent the needs and values of each victim/survivor to external services. We take a trauma-informed and person-centred approach.

The post holder will be required to work alongside Look Ahead key workers and staff to support customers with complex needs are being supported by Look Ahead.

The post is restricted to females only due to the nature of the role. The occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

This role is a Fixed Term Contract, lasting nine months.

This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.

What you’ll do:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Look Ahead IDVAs have the personal qualities required to manage customer expectations alongside the responsibilities of their role. Day to day IDVA activities include:

• Manage customer referrals, completing Dash Risk Assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork
• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere.
• Regular attendance at Marac
• Making relevant safeguarding referrals.
• Support Customers to obtain Non-Molestation Orders where needed and any other civil remedies available to them.
• Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
• Attending all court and Case Management hearings with or as a representative for customers.
• Supporting customers to set personalised goals in the form of a Safety and Support Plan.
• Safety planning with customers.
• Encouraging customers to attend relevant programmes when appropriate i.e. Freedom Programme /Recovery Toolkit to support successful move on.
• Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times e.g. fire risk assessments, fire alarm checks etc.
• Adhering to all other Look Ahead’s policies and procedures.
• Engaging in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills.
• Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Contract Manager.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:

Look Ahead IDVAs embody and promote the organisations values of quality, creativity, innovation, continuous improvement, integrity, transparency, openness and trust.

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
• Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
• Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
• Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
• Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

What you’ll bring:

Essential:

• Experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse
• Knowledge of Safeguarding
• Experience of Risk assessments and safety planning with domestic abuse victim/survivors

Desirable:

• IDVA Qualification 

About us:

Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.