Band 5 - Independent Domestic/Violence Advisor (IDVA)

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual to join us to further develop our services within the Trust Safeguarding Team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).

The IDVA will work directly with Victim/Survivors in the hospital, both patients and staff, providing emotional and practical support and advocacy for recent and non-recent Domestic Abuse and enabling Victim/Survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

With an excellent understanding of delivering risk/needs-led and trauma sensitive services, the IDVA will provide life-changing support to Victim/Survivors of Domestic Abuse.

Applications are welcome from individuals who are qualified accredited IDVAsThis is a full-time post with a fixed term contract until March 2026.

Main duties of the job

The Hospital IDVA will work within the Trust's Safeguarding Team. They will work directly with Victim/Survivors in an Acute Hospital setting, both patients and staff, who have experienced Domestic Abuse, either recent or historic, providing trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling Victim/Survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

The IDVA will hold a caseload which will include supporting Victim/Survivors experiencing Complex Needs and/or Multiple Disadvantage.

The IDVA will support and empower Victim/Survivors to take steps to deal with any immediate risks/needs and to make safe choices in the future.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Date posted

07 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,469 to £38,308 a year inc. HCA

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

360-E-6853

Job locations

Cross Site

Watford

WD18 0HB

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide a combination of support and advocacy to anyone affected by Domestic Abuse, both current and/or historic.

To have a visible presence to clinical areas throughout the Trust with a particular focus on the unscheduled care settings, the Emergency Department, and Maternity Units.

To provide an appropriate and timely response to patients/clients referred to the Hospital IDSVA Service.

Provide practical and emotional 1:1 and/or telephone support to patients/clients.

Assess the presenting risks and support needs of patients/clients and together form individualised safety and support plans to manage the identified risks/needs.

As part of the risk assessment and with client consent, ensure safety and support plans are shared with involved professionals/agencies.

Liaise with the Police, CPS, and other service providers on behalf of the client.

Facilitate protective interventions with clients, including supporting clients with the Civil and Criminal Court processes.

To follow procedures/protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients involved are kept central to any process and ensuring that, with consent, other professionals/agencies are kept informed about key changes to the clients situation.

To participate in the MARAC framework by referring clients and attending/participating in meetings and following up on agreed MARAC actions.

To work within Child Protection requirements and procedures to ensure Children and Young People are safeguarded and their welfare promoted, whilst also supporting the needs of the client. This can include, for example, attending/participating in Social Care meetings and Child Arrangements Orders through the Family Law process.

To identify and respond to, as appropriate, the protection of Vulnerable Adults.

Support and advocate for clients in developing their own support network and ensure they receive the services to which they are entitled.

Where required, make appropriate referrals for follow up support/care. This may include referrals to community Mental Health services, Drug and Alcohol support, Counselling, Housing, and any others identified in the clients safety and support plan.

To follow and maintain the Case Intake and Case Management procedures for a risk/need led response by the in-house Hospital IDSVA Service.

Working with the wider Hospital Safeguarding Team to promote and maintain current referral pathways to enable all Trust staff to refer to the Hospital IDSVA service.

Work to promote the role of the Hospital IDVA across key areas of the Trust.

To advise, support, and/or deliver tailored training and awareness sessions to WHTH staff with the aim of ensuring they are equipped to respond to all Victim/Survivors presenting in the Acute Hospital.

To raise awareness of the issues of Domestic Abuse and its effect on Children and Young People as Victim/Survivors in their own right.

To prepare for and attend regular meetings as required including the Trust Safeguarding Operational Meetings.

To work within a multi-agency framework, representing the needs of clients and promoting the IDVA role as appropriate.

To ensure an effective system of communication exists between the Hospital IDSVA Service, WHTH Safeguarding Teams, Clients, WHTH staff, and other professionals/agencies.

To work and liaise with relevant local agencies and community groups to ensure productive and collaborative partnership working.

To work closely with Refuges community Herts IDVA Service ensuring good lines of communication and clear lines of responsibility are in place.