Vacancies

Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse (RtR) are expanding our high‑risk domestic abuse team and are looking for either an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), or a motivated Trainee IDVA who has the right values, transferable skills and is ready to train into the role. If you are passionate about supporting victim‑survivors of domestic abuse and want to make a real difference, we would like to hear from you.

About the role

As an IDVA (or Trainee IDVA), you will:

  • Support adults experiencing domestic abuse, with a focus on those at high risk of serious harm.
  • Carry out (or learn to carry out) risk assessments and develop robust safety and support plans.
  • Provide trauma‑informed, practical and emotional support – e.g. around housing, finance, health, children and justice options.
  • Advocate for survivors with other agencies (police, children’s services, housing, health, courts etc.) and contribute to MARAC and other safeguarding processes.
  • Work as part of an established, supportive high‑risk team, with regular supervision, training and opportunities to develop.
  • Trainee IDVAs will work under close supervision, with a smaller caseload and structured development plan, building up to the full IDVA role.

Person specification – who we’re looking for
You may already be an IDVA, or you may come from a related background such as: support work, housing, social care, youth work, criminal justice, mental health, substance use, or other advocacy roles.
We are looking for people who can demonstrate:

  • Commitment to victim- survivors – a compassionate, non‑judgemental, person‑centred approach, and a genuine desire to improve safety and outcomes for adults and their children.
  • Strong people skills – able to build trust quickly, listen well, and communicate clearly with people in crisis.
  • Resilience and self‑awareness – able to work under pressure, to manage emotionally challenging work, use supervision, and look after your own wellbeing.
  • Good organisation – able to manage a busy workload, keep accurate records and work to deadlines.
  • Teamwork and partnership – willing to share information appropriately, work closely with colleagues, and build constructive relationships with partner agencies.
  • Learning mindset – ready to undertake training (including an accredited IDVA course) and keep your practice up to date.

Experience of working with people affected by domestic abuse, trauma or safeguarding issues is highly desirable, but we will consider strong transferrable skills.

Training and development
For candidates not yet IDVA‑qualified, we offer:

  • A clear training pathway to become a fully competent IDVA (including accredited IDVA training, e.g. SafeLives).
  • Regular line management, case and reflective supervision.
  • Ongoing training in domestic abuse, safeguarding, MARAC, trauma‑informed practice, equality and diversity.

Essential requirements

  • Full driving licence and access to a car
  • Ability to work within safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection procedures.
  • Good written and IT skills (case notes, emails, basic reports).
  • Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS (or equivalent) check.
  • Ability to work flexibly (occasional early/late appointments, court, as required).

The RtR Office is in Barton, Oxford where the induction and training will take place. IDVAs will also be  expected to travel to meet Victim-survivors throughout  West and North Oxfordshire, including the towns and surrounding areas of Carterton, Witney, Chipping Norton and Banbury, so must live within reasonable travel distance of these areas.

Hours of Work: Full time 37 hours per week
Pay: £27K- 30K dependant on experience and qualifications
Notice: 2 Calendar months, 1 month during the probationary period which is 6 months
Accountable to: Service manager of RtR. CEO and ultimately the Board of trustees
Please apply by sending a cover letter and CV showing specific points that meet our person specification using examples to say why you meet the criteria.
Previous applicants need not apply

To apply, send CV and cover letter to: trish.walsh@reducingtherisk.org.uk