Office-based in Central Milton Keynes | 2 year Fixed-Term Contract | Full-time 37.5 hours per week
Work pattern: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Starting salary £25,233, increasing to £26,247 once probation has been passed.
MK Act is looking for a compassionate and skilled IDVA to support victim/survivors of domestic abuse who are at medium/high risk. You will provide one to one crisis support, complete risk and safety plans, and work closely with local partners to keep clients safe.
The Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will provide intensive, one-to-one support to survivors of domestic abuse, prioritising those at high risk of harm. The post holder will work intensively with clients for a limited time until risk is reduced and safety needs have been met.
Main duties
Work with colleagues, other professionals and volunteers to deliver support to service users experiencing domestic abuse.
A first point of contact through:
- A central helpline
- Walk in service
- DASH ric assessment
- Immediate safety planning
- Access to advice, information including rights and options available
- Support clients to access refuge provision - local or out of area
- Onward signposting and referral to non-specialist DA services as required
Client support:
- Face to face appointments
- DASH ric assessment reviews and risk management
- Develop victim-focused safety and support planning and reviews
- Client support and casework (Individual caseload)
- Support clients to access housing, civil and criminal legal options
- Advocate the voice of and on behalf of clients to ensure appropriate access to support
- Outreach and client contact in the community
- Support through the Criminal Justice System, explaining procedures, rights within that system, safety measures (specifically clients using the Specialist DV Court)
- Ensure clear and accurate casework records are maintained within established record keeping and confidentiality policies; ensuring records are updated accurately and key changes to risk reported appropriately.
- Participate in MARAC: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings, follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure they get the services to which they are entitled.
- Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process
- Contribute to efforts to improve procedures and services.
- Participating in monthly Case Management and reviews
Partnership Working
- Provide general advice and information to professionals.
- Raise awareness of domestic abuse through direct service provision and promote MK-ACT services.
- Attend relevant partnership meetings as agreed with the Crisis Intervention Service Manager.
- Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with partner agencies and MK-ACT staff.
Data
- Contribute to data collection regarding service outcomes and client impact.
- Maintain accurate records for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting purposes.
- Ensure compliance with Data Protection Act 1998 and organisational policies.
Group work
- Contribute to the facilitation of group programme’s for all women e.g. Recovery Toolkit, Freedom, Ilam in line with Crisis Intervention Service need.
Safeguarding
- Work within MKSCB, MK-ACT (MKWA) and local agency policy guidelines to identify children, young people and adults at risk of harm. Refer, inform, and liaise with the local authority and other agencies as appropriate.
General:
- Work to achieve and maintain National or local standards of good practice or accreditation.
- Attend all meetings or training as requested by the senior leadership team.
- Attend regular supervision sessions.
- Participate in MK-ACT’s performance management processes.
- Follow procedures, code of conduct and model pro-social behaviour.
- Work as part of a team, support colleagues and build positive working relationships with team members across the organisation.
- Respect and value diversity within the community, clients and colleagues.
The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.
Experience
- Experience supporting vulnerable people.
- Strong understanding of domestic abuse.
- Experience supporting individuals at risk within domestic abuse, housing, or social care settings.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
- Empathy, resilience, and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport.
- Ability to work collaboratively with partner agencies.
- Strong organisational, record‑keeping, and time‑management skills.
- Competent with case management systems and Microsoft Office.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable skills:
- IDVA training and experience.
- Knowledge of local housing legislation and welfare benefits.
Join us in this rewarding role where your expertise can transform lives. We are committed to supporting our team members through ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative work environment dedicated to making a positive impact on families affected by domestic violence.
Our Mission
MK-ACT is an independent charitable organisation that works to protect adults and children from domestic (and sexual) violence and abuse by providing a range of high quality support services, including places of refuge for women and children who have experienced or are at risk of DA, and working to empower and encourage survivors to rebuild their lives, free from violence and abuse.
Our primary purpose is to address domestic abuse as experienced by those of all genders through our activities and services. In acknowledgement of the gendered nature of domestic abuse, our focus is on women and child survivors of domestic abuse.
Our Aims
To provide a range of high quality and effective support services for adults and their children who have experienced, or are at risk from, domestic (and sexual) violence or abuse.
To ensure equality of access to relevant services provided by MKACT.
To promote cohesive inter-agency working and strengthening partnership working to develop strategies that will enhance the safety of and improve services for survivors and their children.
To enhance social justice by raising awareness and supporting campaigns for better laws, policies and services designed actively to prevent domestic and sexual violence, and/or to mitigate the impact of such experience.
To monitor standards and continually strive to improve our services.
“The quality of our service is only ever as strong as the team behind it. By investing in team development and building trust within our organisation, we ensure that every individual we support receives the care, dignity, and professionalism they deserve.” - Sue Burke, CEO
Our Values
Dignity and Respect: We respect the human rights and dignity of each individual using our services, ensuring our work is informed by their testimony and places the highest priority on their safety.
Empowerment: We are committed to providing user-centred services that address clients' needs and aspirations and contribute to their empowerment to determine their own and their children's lives.
High Quality: We are committed to delivering high quality and effective services based on the principles of informed decision-making and supported autonomy for clients, and mutual aid.
Cooperation and Collaboration: We value co-operation and collaboration in partnerships with other agencies that enable us to deliver positive outcomes for survivors and their children.
Diversity: We value the diverse contributions of all our staff, volunteers and stakeholders towards the achievement of our aims.
Our Benefits:
- Pension & Contribution
- Development opportunities
- 25 Days holiday
- Training opportunities
- Regular 121 and clinical supervision
- Sick pay
- Free eye tests
- Supportive work environment
- Wellbeing strategy and monthly activities
- Staff socials
- Your birthday off to celebrate!
Taking the next step in your application...
MK Act is an equal opportunities employer committed to quality, equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post is subject to safer recruitment procedures and regulations and an enhanced DBS check.
As part of our commitment to fair and consistent recruitment, we do not accept CVs.
Please complete the application form using the link below. Please note that any applications submitted without the form will not be considered.
https://form.jotform.com/253233664598063
Closing date for applications is 28 June 2026
Interviews held in person or online
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Job Type: Full-Time
Benefits:
On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Pay: From £25,233.00 per year
Work Location: In person
