Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior IDVA to join the Specialist Services team in Bedfordshire. We are looking for a qualified IDVA for this maternity cover role on fixed term contract until 31st October 2027. This role will be hybrid and be located within Bedford Borough Council.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience and adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About this role

This role supports the service across Bedford Borough. As a Senior IDVA for the specialist services team you will:

• Be the consistent representative at the Bedford Borough MARAC
• Be a SPOC for the Front Door - giving advice and support around queries/ concerns about DA
• Carry a reduced caseload
• Support the Safe & Together model
• Have line management responsibilities including Bedford Borough IDVA

You will need:

• An IDVA qualification
• Experience in multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks
• Knowledge of equal opportunities, diversity, safeguarding, and risk assessments
• Understanding of confidentiality, safe working practices, and legal file maintenance
• Experience in customer-focused service delivery in challenging environments
• Crisis management and support experience
• Strong communication, negotiation, and advisory skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and manage competing demands
• Analytical skills for problem-solving and data reporting
• Proficiency in IT and software (Word, Excel, Case Management systems)
• Commitment to continuous self-development

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

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.