Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

• Guidance_Notes_Completing_an_Application_Form_Oct_2024
• IDVA_JD_PS_May_23

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CV’s (unless specified on the advert).

Please fully complete the online application form.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our established IDVA team as part of the Communities department at Sefton Council, offering support to adult victims of domestic abuse.  

You will be experienced in working within the field of domestic abuse and committed to providing a quality service to vulnerable victims as part of a crisis intervention response. You will also be part of the Council’s plan for building stronger communities working collaboratively within our localities.

This role provides an opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the best possible outcomes for our communities and for you to play an active role, having excellent communication and liaison skills are essential. You will be in regular contact with victims, colleagues across the Council and a range of external agencies. The role is primarily focused on duty and triage, acting as the first point of contact for individuals referred into the service. The successful candidate will manage incoming referrals, liaise with a range of professionals, complete initial screenings, and proactively encourage victims/survivors to engage with support. Strong organisational and time‑management skills are essential to prioritise enquiries and respond within required timescales. The post holder will also be expected to travel independently and work from different locations across the borough as needed.

What you will need to succeed

The successful applicant will need an understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse, preferably experience of working with victims at high risk of harm and have an IDVA accreditation or willingness to undertake training as part of the role.

Excellent organisation skills and the ability to prioritise and work under pressure with empathy for those you are supporting are also essential to the role as it will involve completing risk assessments, safety plans and working with partner agencies to develop multi-agency plans to support victims effectively.

Your confident and connected Borough

Sefton is a vibrant local authority on a journey of aspiration and ambition as it works towards delivering its exciting 2030 Vision.  This journey is shared with our partners and communities as we strive to ensure Sefton is a confident and connected Borough.

Sefton has a strong track record of partnership working and for having a motivated and dedicated workforce that is resilient and adaptable, it puts the Council in the best possible place to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

If this is you, we look forward to receiving your application for this role.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2013.

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity please contact Gemma Braithwaite (Domestic Abuse Manager) at gemma.braithwaite@sefton.gov.uk

Please note, this is a fixed term post until 25th January 2027.

Closing Date - 13/03/2026

Expected Shortlisting Date - 19/03/2026

Provisional Interview Date - 25/03/2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we recieve a high volume of applications.