BMEC Independent Domestic Violence Advisor at Victim Support

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

Flexible working options including hybrid working
28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
Pension with 5% employer contribution
Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This post is open to applicants who identify as being from Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities only, as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.

This hybrid role is based in Brighton & Hove, which includes a combination of home and office-based working. You will meet regularly with clients throughout Brighton & Hove at safe locations of their choosing.

As a BMEC IDVA you will:

- Empower survivors from BME communities, by supporting them to identify features and dynamics of domestic abuse
- Work with clients from BME communities, holding a caseload of varying complexity, prioritising high risk cases
- Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments
- Provide individualized safety and support plans, advocacy, practical support and information
- Participate in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), acting as the voice of the survivor and delivering on actions agreed
- Use a person-centred, survivor-focused approach, being mindful of the effects of trauma and additional barriers to access that BME individuals may experience
- Take the lead on the development of responses to the needs of at-risk BME survivors and their families, and the development of relationships and referral pathways with partner agencies in this area including BME by-and-for organisations
- Assist in delivering training, and provide consultancy and advice to other agencies as required

You will need:

- An understanding of the issues faced by survivors from black & minoritised ethnic communities experiencing domestic abuse
- A good understanding of risk assessment, safety planning & risk management for survivors of domestic abuse
- An understanding of safeguarding issues & the legal responsibilities surrounding these
- Experience of delivering services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or other vulnerable people
- Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework, including building relationships with statutory and voluntary BMEC service providers
- Experience of managing a complex caseload, prioritising work and dealing with competing demands demonstrating an organised and methodical approach to work
- Ability to deliver indvidualised safety and support plans, demonstrating sufficient knowledge of risk reduction regarding harmful practices and modern slavery
- Ability to deliver training sessions to professional agencies
- Understanding and knowledge of and active commitment to promoting equal opportunities and diversity
- Ability to self-reflect, identify own needs, and put in place effective self-care strategies

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification on our website for further details.