We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity for a Female* DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (DRIVE IDVA) to join our team based in South Gloucestershire. You will join us on a Permanent Contract on a part-time basis working 26.25 hours per week (includes some evening and weekend working on a rota basis). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,598 (unqualified) or £30,024 (qualified) per annum pro rata plus benefits.
Established in 1999, Next Link is the leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. At Next Link we are committed to providing holistic, empowering and personalised support and advocacy to survivors experiencing domestic abuse. With a focus on survivor’s safety and recovery, we believe the provision of flexible support tailored to survivor’s needs can be transforming, helping to maximise independence and self-determination so survivors can make informed choices.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
- Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
- 3 extra holidays including International Women’s Day
- Excellent development and training opportunities
- Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
- Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Health and wellbeing programme
About the role:
We are looking for a Female* DRIVE IDVA to work across Next Link with victim’s whose perpetrators are part of the DRIVE Programme in South Gloucestershire and Bristol. As our DRIVE IDVA you will work in close partnership working with the Lighthouse, MARAC and the DRIVE Project to provide co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and their children. This post will be based within Next Link Domestic abuse services providing outreach, and community-based support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse across South Gloucestershire and Bristol.
Key duties and responsibilities of Female* DRIVE DVA:
- To establish and maintain support to survivors and their children, with a victim centred approach, focussing on safety and recovery.
- To provide support to enable survivors to safely maintain their current accommodation, access welfare benefits, legal advice alternative housing and support services.
- To maintain an effective support service with the aim of enabling the survivor and her children to develop the skills and resources necessary to move on and maintain independence and self-reliance.
- Co-deliver Survivor programmes (e.g. Freedom Programme), Family and Peer Support group work activities.
- Champion service user empowerment and involvement.
- To liaise effectively and collaboratively with all appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users.
This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.
What we are looking for in our Female* DRIVE IDVA:
- Experience of working with women, men and children who have survived domestic abuse.
- Demonstrable experience of carrying out risk assessments; of co-producing risk management, safety planning and support with women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
- The ability to respond quickly and appropriately and to families requiring DV support.
- Undertake effective casework management and support with evidence of a methodical and well organised approach to work.
- The ability to work in partnership with a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies, to achieve outcomes for service users.
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues, barriers and support needs of women experiencing domestic abuse and trauma.
- Knowledge of Domestic Abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process.
- Be available and committed to be part of the out of hours on call rota and work flexibly including some Saturday mornings on a rota basis.
- A current, full driving licence and access to appropriate motorised transport is essential.
If you are motivated, resourceful and passionate about empowering survivors of domestic abuse, please apply now to join us as and contribute to the valuable work of Next Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
How to apply:
Please download the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am on Monday 27th July 2026. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held weeks commencing 27th July and 3rd August 2026.
