Safeguard Health Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2QZ
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
6 September 2026
6 days left
Job description
The Safeguarding Team is seeking to appoint a Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) with a recognised qualification and extensive experi...
To provide leadership and training to Trust staff and key partner agencies
To provide specialist support and complex multi-generational safety planning to victims of domestic abuse and violence (and their children) who have presented to A&E or who are accessing services elsewhere in the hospital and have disclosed DA. This must be delivered through an evidence-based risk identification checklist such as the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model (DASH)
To be able to communicate on highly sensitive issues, negotiate over services, staff, clients/ deal with child protection, vulnerable adults, mental health issues, disclosure of sensitive information, explaining legislation in sensitive situations
To have specialist knowledge across range of procedures underpinned by theory
To have professional knowledge acquired through IDVA qualification supplemented by specialist training
To ensure appropriate pathways for referrals
To provide support for those at highest risk of further harm or through pro-active interventions for those at medium or standard risk which will include individual safety planning and personal support.
To be able to assess complex facts or situations requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of a range of options including referral to appropriate services.
Please see the full job description and person specification attached for more details on the job role.
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Education & Qualification
Essential
- Degree level qualification in health or social care subject
- IDVA qualification or have extensive case management experience, for example in criminal justice work, health, social care or other relevant area.
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Significant experience in Domestic Abuse; its impact on victims and their children
- Knowledge of Honour-Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.
- Knowledge of perpetrators abusive behaviours within relationships including family relationships, male victims, same sex relationships and older adults.
- Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation
- Good understanding of the criminal justice system and civil options available to domestic abuse victims.
- Knowledge and understanding of national and local policies and strategies in all aspects of domestic abuse.
- Demonstrable knowledge of recent health and care guidance and legislative policy specifically in relation to domestic abuse.
- Experience of advocacy work including undertaking of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning and management of cases where complex/multiple needs are present.
- Experience of domestic abuse policy, procedures, process in a social/health care related environment
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Effective communication and ability to respond with significant experience to Domestic Abuse concerns.
- Ability to work in partnership, network, influence, problem solve, overcome barriers and apply solution focused approaches.
- Analytical accuracy in report writing.
- Proactive approach to problem solving.
- Delivery of Education using a variety of methods.
- Ability to work well within a team and under own initiative, maintaining professional boundaries with patients and staff.
Desirable
- Experience of supervision of staff
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to deal appropriately with potentially stressful and difficult situations.
- Effective role model
- Demonstrates the Trusts Values
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
19 August 2026
Last checked
20 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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