Overview

We have a new and exciting opportunity within Victim Support to provide Domestic Abuse case management interventions across Cumbria, as part of the Drive Project. Drive is a national project developed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance to transform the response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. The project combines case management of perpetrators with a coordinated multi-agency response to improve safety for victims and children.

Victim Support are recruiting 2 Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) to cover Cumbria: 1 based in Westmorland & Furness, and 1 based in Cumberland.

Responsibilities

• Provide a proactive, high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through ongoing risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the DRIVE model, MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims.
• Promote the service and raise awareness of issues arising, minimising barriers and improving access to support.
• Review risk and develop safety plans in collaboration with the DRIVE Team.
• Collaborate across the DRIVE Project to ensure effective multi-agency working and positive outcomes for service users.

What you will need

• Experience of providing support to those affected by domestic abuse.
• Experience of undertaking needs and risk assessments and creating safety plans.
• Experience of MARAC and other partnership processes.
• Experience of multi-agency collaboration.

This role involves regular travel; a driving license and access to a vehicle are considered essential requirements. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application so we can explore feasible alternatives.

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

Location and Team

This role is based in Cumbria, with 1 post in Westmorland & Furness and 1 in Cumberland. You will work closely with the rest of the DRIVE Team to review risk, develop safety plans, and improve outcomes for all parties involved.

About the role

You will be an IDVA within a multi-disciplinary team, with a demonstrable track record of working with complex needs as they relate to domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse and offending.

Extensive training will be provided.

Terms and Benefits

Interviews will take place on 29th and 30th October 2025 in Carlisle Police Station.

What we offer:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity pay
• Discounts across High Street, retail, holidays, gym, entertainment & leisure
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary-deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & opportunities for career development & progression

About Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent charity providing services to people affected by crime across England and Wales. We are committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Background checks (including DBS) may be required.

We welcome applicants from diverse communities and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We are Disability Confident and offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled candidates who meet essential criteria. Reasonable adjustments are available for disabled applicants during the selection process.

How to apply

To apply, follow the link on our website to the Jobs page and complete the application form, demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Note: If you have already started an application, we will advise you of amended closing dates where possible.