Post: Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Lead Advice Worker
Hours: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £28,678 per year (£35,847 FTE) - NJC SO, Level 24
Responsible to: Advice Manager
Period of notice: 1 month on either side; 3 month probationary period
Contract: 2 years fixed term (pending further funding confirmation)
Holidays: 20 days plus bank holidays (25 days plus bank holidays FTE)
Location: GARAS drop-in centre. Some work within the community across Gloucestershire so access to a vehicle is required
Application deadline: 18 June 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026, but actively interviewing throughout the application time
Purpose of Role
To deliver a specialist, trauma-informed independent advice and support service for refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant individuals and families, with a particular focus on survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) in Gloucestershire. The postholder will provide a combination of holistic and strategic, person-centered support to enable survivors to make disclosures, cope with, recover from, and move forward following experiences of abuse. The role contributes to GARAS’s delivery of the Ministry of Justice Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Fund, ensuring services are accessible, confidential, free of charge, and responsive to all victims regardless of immigration status or gender.
Specific duties
Advice and Casework
1. Will work across the multiple teams at GARAS to provide high-quality, holistic, strategic lead advice and casework support to migrant victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence.
2. Actively engage in risk escalation processes for victims and known perpetrators.
3. Support clients in accessing specialist services and pathways. Advocate for, and assist victims to get appropriate IAA accredited Immigration Advice - including cases around NRPF Change of Conditions, MVDAC, ILR (DV and Abuse).
4. Develop and deliver person-centred support plans based on individual need.
5. Advocate on behalf of clients with statutory and voluntary agencies.
6. Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with organisational policies.
Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence (DASV) Support
7. Deliver a specialist, trauma-informed support service for migrant survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence across the whole of Gloucestershire. Working centrally from GARAS office in Gloucester.
8. Provide emotional and practical support, including safety planning and risk management.
9. Support victims to cope with and recover from trauma, promoting resilience, stability, and independence.
10. Work with clients regardless of whether they have reported abuse to the police.
11. Ensure a culturally competent approach, recognising the additional barriers faced by migrant survivors and risks around Harmful Practices.
12. Develop and maintain referral pathways to specialist services including ISVA and IDVA services, therapeutic counselling and talking therapy, housing, legal advice, healthcare and safeguarding services.
13. Advocate for survivors to ensure access to appropriate protection and support.
14. Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with policy and statutory requirements - working with the organisations DSL and DDSL.
15. Maintain up to date training in DASV.
Monitoring, Outcomes & Reporting
16. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all client engagement.
17. Assist Director in recording outcomes data in line with funding requirements.
18. Contribute to MOJ reporting, including narrative reports, case studies and performance data.
19. Evidence outcomes such as improved coping and emotional wellbeing, increased access to services, reduced risk and improved safety.
20. Support evaluation and demonstrate impact and value for money.
Partnership and Multi-Agency Working
21. Work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary sector partners.
22. Participate in multi-agency meetings including safeguarding and risk management forums (including but not limited to GSCB, GSAB, MARAC).
23. Promote awareness of GARAS’ services and referral pathways.
24. Strengthen links with domestic abuse, sexual violence, housing, police and health services.
25. Work closely with all DASV Specialist Support Services in Gloucestershire (this includes but is not limited to First Light, GDASS, Barnardos, Hope House, GRASAC, Gloucestershire Counselling Services and Let’s Talk Well).
26. Actively engage with strategic partners including the Sexual Violence Partnership (SVP) and the County Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board (DA LPB).
General Duties
27. Contribute to delivery of the DASV project and achievement of agreed outputs and outcomes.
28. Ensure compliance with all funding requirements, safeguarding, data protection and equality duties.
29. Participate in team meetings, supervision and ongoing training.
30. Promote and represent GARAS and its services.
31. Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
32. Undertake other duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential
● Able to demonstrate experience of supporting migrant communities
● Experience of supporting survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence
● Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and its application in practice
● Knowledge of harmful practices and honour based abuse dynamics
● Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches
● Knowledge of issues affecting migrant communities
● Ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands
● Strong communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills
● Experience of effective multi-agency working
● Ability to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns involving adults and children
● Experience of carrying out risk assessments and safety planning (e.g. DASH)
● Experience of recording casework and outcomes data
● Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and professional boundaries when working with vulnerable clients
● Experience of working effectively with interpreters and across language barriers
● A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
Desirable (but not mandatory)
● Knowledge of immigration and asylum systems
● Knowledge of No Recourse to Public Funds and its impact on survivors
● Experience of working within the voluntary or third sector
● Knowledge of the Victims’ Code and related frameworks
● IAA Level One accredited
● Knowledge of MARAC process
● Experience of being a Safeguarding Officer
Additional Information
This post is co-funded through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Housing Partnership and contributes to delivery of specialist DASV support within GARAS.
Pay: From £35,847.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gloucester GL1 4SQ
