DRIVE Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate

DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Location: Preston & Lancaster Community Services Salary: £30,200.00PA FTE Contract Type: Permanent Please note, this is an on-site role only. Due to the nature of our Refuges and Outreach services, it is essential that our teams are present and accessible, enabling us to provide safe, responsive and high-quality support to those who need us most. This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 . About Safenet We provide domestic abuse services across the Northwest of England, including refuges for women and children, safe houses for men, community support, and extra support for those facing addiction, mental health, or other issues. We understand the serious impact domestic abuse can have, especially on health and wellbeing, and provide support and guidance to help survivors live safely and securely. Safenet is part of the Calico Group. Here’s what makes The Calico Group unique: each of our specialist companies collaborates and innovates together to have a greater impact than they could alone. Our shared vision, flexible group structure, and expanding range of services help us adapt to the fast-changing environment and times in which we work. “A future where everyone can live safe, happy and healthy lives free from abuse, violence and exploitation in their homes, streets and communities.” About the role An exciting oppurtunity has arisen within Safenet Lancashire Community Outreach team for a DRIVE Independent Domestic violence Advisor supporting High risk victims of domestic abuse in the community. Using your experience of delivering support to victim of domestic abuse, you will provide high quality and pro-active front line service helping to keep survivors safe. You will be assessing risk, completing safety and support plans, and ensuring the service offer is accessible and inclusive to all. We are looking for high calibre, passionate, caring individuals who are excellent team players and are committed to providing high quality, trauma informed services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. For further details about the roles, please refer to the relevant role profile. What we are looking for We welcome applicants from a range of relevant backgrounds; direct refuge experience is not essential, but you do need to bring credibility, confidence and compassion from related fields. You might come from: Substance misuse or addiction recovery services Trauma‑informed women’s services Mental health or psychologically informed environments (PIE) Housing or supported accommodation with complex needs You will bring We believe in recruiting for potential as well as experience. Our ideal candidate will have: Essential: Twelve months experience of working with adults experiencing domestic abuse and violence. Have a good understanding of the impacts of the abuse on adults and children. Experience of working with adults in a crisis situation. Strong Communication skills. Experience of key working, completing risk assessments and safety plans, creating support plans, delivering support, in a person-centred and trauma informed approach. Proven experience of providing direct emotional, practical and welfare support to women, men and children. Ability to build effective relationships, liaising and with agencies and being an advocate. To have excellent time management and organisational skills working on own initiative and within a multi-disciplinary team environment. An in depth Understanding of safeguarding adults and children. Essential Core Skills Health & Safety Awareness All our employees are required to work in a safe way, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and keep themselves, other colleagues and customers safe.  You will be expected to update your knowledge and skills on Health & Safety if successful in your application. Safeguarding We work with adults and children who may be ‘at risk’ and expect colleagues to work in a way which protects the people we support from harm.  Our colleagues are expected to identify people ‘at risk’ and confidently report any Safeguarding concerns as appropriate within the service. Digital Across our services, we use a range of technology and systems and expect colleagues to use them effectively and safely following cybersecurity and data protection principles (UK GDPR).  Full training on specific systems is provided but a willingness to learn and develop is essential. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) The Calico Group welcomes diversity and champions the rights of those in society who may be marginalised.  Our employees are expected to be inclusive, embracing those from different backgrounds to develop a fairer society. If you share our values and are ready to grow through continuous learning, development, and the support of a dedicated team, we want to hear from you! What’s in It for You? At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, in