Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Location: Grimsby & Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
Salary: £25,389 per annum (unqualified), under review September 2026
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm, with flexibility to meet client needs
Additional: Approximately 1–2 on-call shifts per month
Reporting to: Support Supervisor, Support Manager and Head of Operations

About the Role

North East Lincs Women’s Aid is seeking a committed and highly organised Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) / Outreach Support Worker to provide high-quality, trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

This is a demanding and rewarding role involving the management of a complex caseload, including individuals at high risk of serious harm. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and managing risk, developing safety plans, maintaining accurate case records and working proactively with survivors and partner agencies to improve safety and outcomes.

The role requires compassion, professional judgement, strong organisational skills and the ability to work confidently in a fast-paced environment where safeguarding and effective case management are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive referrals through the Single Point of Contact (SPOC), make initial contact within one working day and prioritise high-risk cases.

• Provide proactive, person-centred and trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

• Manage an open caseload of approximately 25 clients, covering a range of risk and support needs, including complex cases.

• Complete and regularly review DASH risk assessments, ensuring appropriate actions are identified, followed up and recorded.

• Develop comprehensive, individualised safety and support plans focused on reducing risk and improving the safety of survivors and their children.

• Monitor cases closely, follow up actions and ensure support is delivered consistently and within agreed timescales.

• Provide information about available options and empower survivors to make informed decisions about their circumstances.

• Offer practical and emotional support while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

• Support survivors experiencing domestic abuse from current or former partners or family members.

• Work with clients to understand abusive behaviours, strengthen their independence and identify future goals and aspirations.

• Support clients with housing, resettlement and access to appropriate practical services where required.

• Provide support and advocacy through criminal, civil and legal justice processes, explaining procedures, rights and available sources of legal assistance.

• Participate in MARAC meetings, actions, research and information sharing where required.

• Build effective working relationships with statutory services, housing providers, police, health services and other external agencies.

• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date electronic case records, including contact notes, risk assessments, safety plans and outcomes.

• Participate in case file reviews, audits and performance monitoring, ensuring records meet organisational and safeguarding standards.

• Prepare client reports, feedback and other documentation when required.

• Respond promptly and appropriately to telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries.

• Participate in outreach, drop-in and advice sessions across different community and partner-a