Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)

  • BRC
  • Apr 17, 2026
Full time Healthcare & Medical

Job Description

Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)

Role Type: Temp to Perm
Location: Bristol
Hours: Full Time 37.5hrs a week Mon-Fri (+1 in 6 Saturday mornings)
Salary: £14.67 per hour + £1.77 holiday pay (£28,598 per annum)


Overview:

Are you passionate about supporting women experiencing domestic and gender-based violence? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and drive to work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment?

We are recruiting for a Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to join a specialist respite accommodation service in Bristol. This innovative project provides short-term, safe housing and intensive support for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and fleeing domestic or gender-based abuse.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic, trauma-informed service that supports women facing multiple disadvantage, helping them move toward safety, recovery, and independence.

About the Role
  • You will work within a small, dedicated team delivering specialist domestic abuse support within a safehouse setting. The service provides emergency accommodation and rapid, coordinated support to women at high risk.
  • Key responsibilities include:
  • Delivering specialist IDVA interventions and risk assessments
  • Providing personalised, trauma-informed support and case management
  • Supporting women to access housing pathways and move-on options
  • Working collaboratively with partner agencies including police, health, housing, and substance misuse services
  • Advocating on behalf of survivors to improve safety and outcomes
  • Supporting women to rebuild confidence, increase safety, and make informed choices
  • The role involves rota-based working, including evenings and weekends, with additional payments for unsocial hours.
About You:
  • Ideally hold an IDVA qualification (or be willing to work towards one)
  • Have experience supporting vulnerable women, particularly those affected by domestic or sexual abuse and multiple disadvantage
  • Be confident delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support
  • Have strong communication, problem-solving, and partnership-working skills
  • Be able to manage a complex caseload in a fast-paced environment
  • Have a good understanding of safeguarding, housing pathways, and relevant legislation
  • You will be committed to empowering women through a compassionate, non-judgemental, and strengths-based approach.
What We Offer
  • Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on service)
  • Additional leave days, including International Women s Day
  • Pension contribution (minimum 5%)
  • Ongoing training and professional development
  • Health and wellbeing support
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Long service recognition
Important Information

This role is open to female applicants only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service.

For more info, please contact Nathan Jackson on (phone number removed) or apply now.