Job Details

Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (Health IDVA)

Rising Sun

Overview

The Health IDVA provides vital support to those affected by domestic abuse, helping them access the specialist services they need and navigate challenges in their daily lives.
£25,845 to £30,790
Per year
Full time, Temporary
(12 month fixed term contract with the potential for extension)
Primary Health Care settings in Canterbury and surrounds

Key information

You will work directly with patients with a wide range of experiences and needs, offering advocacy, guidance, and practical support. A key part of the role is raising awareness among community healthcare professionals about the impact of domestic abuse, particularly on mental health, through training, guidance, and ongoing support, so that patients are identified earlier and supported more effectively.

About the role

This role addresses a need in community healthcare, where many patients are not recognised as survivors of domestic abuse. By combining domestic abuse expertise with a therapeutic approach, the Health IDVA will provide direct support to patients while helping community services and healthcare teams feel confident and equipped to respond appropriately. You will be supported by the Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Managers. You will have the opportunity to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification once you pass your probation (if not already qualified).

Through this work, the Health IDVA will help ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate support while also strengthening the skills, confidence, and understanding of community services and professionals. By building strong partnerships and sharing expertise, the role will contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to domestic abuse, ensuring that patients are supported at every stage and that services are better equipped to meet their needs.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

Requirements

Qualifications

    • Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
    • Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
    • Health qualification (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

    • At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
    • Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
    • Experience of delivering training (desirable)
    • Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
    • Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
    • Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
    • Experience of working in a hospital / healthcare setting (desirable)
    • Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse