IDVA - Triage

Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.

Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.

Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.

About the Service - Women and Children's Services

Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS)

The Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) aims to minimise risk and harm, improve health and wellbeing, and support people to build brighter futures.

NIDAS is delivered by Changing Lives in partnership with Action for Children and Rape Crisis, providing integrated support to domestic abuse survivors across the Newcastle area. The service offers safe and secure refuge accommodation for women and children, alongside outreach services that support people within the local community and in their own homes.

Our Services

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)

Our IDVA team focuses on risk assessment and risk management. We provide support to high-risk victims through trained specialist workers and enable access to a range of legal and non-legal advice and support services.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)

Our ISVAs work with victims of rape and sexual assault. They are specially trained to respond sensitively to the needs of individuals who have experienced sexual violence, providing both practical and emotional support throughout their journey.

Outreach Team

Our Outreach Team works with individuals assessed as being at standard to medium risk. The team provides longer-term emotional support and delivers the New Beginnings Programme, empowering people to take positive steps towards recovery and independence.

About the Role - IDVA (Triage)

We are looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) - Triage to provide high-quality support, safety planning and advocacy as part of a multi-agency response to high-risk victims of domestic abuse.

The Triage Team acts as the first point of contact for referrals into the service. This key role is responsible for receiving and responding to all requests for support. As such, attention to detail and a proactive approach are essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Receiving and processing referrals into the service.
• Liaising with partner agencies to ensure accurate and timely information is shared and received.
• Contacting referred individuals within 24 hours of referral.
• Conducting sensitive discussions regarding an individual's current situation, support needs and risk factors.
• Completing risk assessments and identifying appropriate support pathways.
• Providing immediate safety planning and advice where required.

Specialist Support

Our IDVAs provide information and guidance to professionals, as well as specialist, tailored support to people who have experienced domestic abuse, regardless of whether they have reported incidents to the police.

The support provided by an IDVA varies according to each individual's circumstances, needs and level of risk, ensuring a person-centred approach to support and advocacy.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Changing Lives, we value a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and ethnicities and are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process.

Due to the nature of the role, we can only accept applications from female applicants.