DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Location: Preston & Lancaster Community Services
Salary: £30,200.00PA FTE
Contract Type: Permanent
About Us
At The Calico Group, our purpose is clear: to make a real difference to people’s lives. Whether supporting individuals in recovery, helping communities thrive, or enabling employees to grow, we are committed to creating opportunities that transform lives.
We embrace diversity in all its forms and take pride in employing a workforce that reflects the rich and varied communities we serve. Your skills and experiences could make all the difference – join us to be part of something extraordinary.
Safenet is part of the Calico Group, an innovative group of companies, working together collaboratively 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.
Safenet are a well-established Domestic Abuse charity, working to reduce and eliminate domestic abuse and to deliver support services to survivors of domestic abuse across the Northwest of England.
We provide a range of safe accommodation services for all survivors including women, children and young people, trans and non-binary and male survivors. Our safe accommodation offer includes 24/7/365 staffed safe refuges, 2nd stage move-on services and individual, dispersed safe house accommodation.
We deliver specialist support for those with additional support needs around dependency/addiction, mental and physical ill-health and other more complex or multiple support needs. We also deliver a range of community support including outreach support, Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA) services and healthy relationship programmes in schools
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.
The Opportunity
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’re Looking For
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.
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, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits:
- Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants.
- Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.
- Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active.
- Pension Options – with employer pension contributions.
- Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances.
- Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs.
- Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.
- Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access.
- One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings.
- Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career.
And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most.
How to Apply
Click Apply Now to complete your application online.
For an informal chat about the role, contact Service Manager Niquisha Smirthwaite at [email protected]
We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!
Inclusive Hiring at Calico
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know at [email protected]
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies.
