An opportunity has become available at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to appoint a Health Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to be part of the Safeguarding Team. This is on a fixed term basis with funding secured until December 2025.

As a Health IDVA you will be working across both sites Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley District Hospital to support victims of domestic abuse, this will include the Emergency Departments, Maternity Unit and all general wards and departments. The role of the health IDVA is to work on the front line alongside health care staff to provide face to face support for victims who attend our hospitals.

The role of the Health IDVA is to provide immediate safeguarding support and safety planning advice and to support in raising awareness of domestic abuse in line with the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) and Governments strategy for tackling violence against women and girls (2021).

Main duties of the job

To provide face to face support, safety planning and signposting to patients and staff across the LTH footprint. You will build trusting relationships with multi-agency partners to provide the very best service for your clients. Key relationships will include the Police, community domestic abuse services, housing, drug and alcohol services and adult and children's Social Care.

The role will also involve training and raising awareness of signs and the impact of domestic abuse, not only on the victim but other vulnerable persons within the household. You will work in a trauma informed way to support vulnerable patients and staff to break the cycle of abuse.

You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agency relationships and contribute to multiagency working as required by the role and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures.

About us

We have 9000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.

Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You'll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you'd never have done. You'll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.

You'll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care and enhancing their experience which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.

Job description

Job responsibilities

• To operate within LTHTR frameworks adhering to the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• To develop and provide guidance and training about the health IDVA service across the organisation in order for staff to identify and refer potential high risks victims.
• To provide support and safety planning to victims of domestic abuse and violence and establish key working relationships.
• Ensure appropriate pathways for referrals into community services exist.
• Participate and contribute to multi-agency working in respect of adults and children deemed to be at risk, as required.
• Accurate recording and monitoring of service outcomes, and keeping managers informed of any issues and successes.
• Ensure accurate recording onto patient records, as appropriate.
• Liaison with and work flexibly in conjunction with a variety of internal departments including the Emergency Department and external agencies.
• Make sure that national standards and procedures are observed, particularly those relating to safe practice, confidentiality and information sharing.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering high standards to the service with an emphasis on quality at all times.
• Carry out any other duties which are consistent with the nature, responsibilities, and grading of the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• IDVA qualification or have extensive case management experience, for example in criminal justice work, health, social care or other relevant area
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of Domestic Abuse its impact on victims and their children
• Knowledge of Honour-Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation
• Knowledge of perpetrators abusive behaviours within relationships including family relationships, male victims, same sex relationships and older adults
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation
• Good understanding of the criminal justice system and civil options available to domestic abuse victims
• Knowledge and understanding of national and local policies and strategies in all aspects of domestic abuse
• Demonstrable knowledge of recent health and care guidance and legislative policy specifically in relation to domestic abuse
• A good understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
• Extensive experience of managing a caseload and supporting service users

Desirable

• Experience of Supervision of staff
• Leadership qualities and experience

Employer details

Employer name

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Preston Hospital

Sharoe Green Lane

Preston

PR2 9HT

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

438-PB0417