_{18th August, 2026}

Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)
Role Type: Temp to Perm
Location: Bristol (or South Gloucestershire)
Hours: Full Time 37.5hrs a week Mon-Fri (+1 in 6 Saturday mornings)
Salary: £14.67 per hour + £1.77 holiday pay (£28,598 per annum)
  
Overview:
Are you passionate about supporting women experiencing domestic and gender-based violence? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and drive to work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment?
We are recruiting for a Female Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)* to join a specialist respite accommodation service in Bristol. This innovative project provides short-term, safe housing and intensive support for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and fleeing domestic or gender-based abuse.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic, trauma-informed service that supports women facing multiple disadvantage, helping them move toward safety, recovery, and independence.
About the Role

• You will work within a small, dedicated team delivering specialist domestic abuse support within a safehouse setting. The service provides emergency accommodation and rapid, coordinated support to women at high risk.
• Key responsibilities include:
• Delivering specialist IDVA interventions and risk assessments
• Providing personalised, trauma-informed support and case management
• Supporting women to access housing pathways and move-on options
• Working collaboratively with partner agencies including police, health, housing, and substance misuse services
• Advocating on behalf of survivors to improve safety and outcomes
• Supporting women to rebuild confidence, increase safety, and make informed choices
• The role involves rota-based working, including evenings and weekends, with additional payments for unsocial hours.

About You:

• Ideally hold an IDVA qualification (or be willing to work towards one)
• Have experience supporting vulnerable women, particularly those affected by domestic or sexual abuse and multiple disadvantage
• Be confident delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support
• Have strong communication, problem-solving, and partnership-working skills
• Be able to manage a complex caseload in a fast-paced environment
• Have a good understanding of safeguarding, housing pathways, and relevant legislation
• You will be committed to empowering women through a compassionate, non-judgemental, and strengths-based approach.

What We Offer

• Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on service)
• Additional leave days, including International Women’s Day
• Pension contribution (minimum 5%)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Long service recognition

Important Information
This role is open to female applicants only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service.
For more info, please contact Inca Reynolds on 0117 923 9100 or apply now.

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