Immigration Advisor (IDVA)

Application Pack

Domestic Abuse
Immigration Advisor
(IDVA)

Welcome

Changing Pathways is a registered Charity, providing domestic abuse
services across the south of Essex, in partnership with Ending Violence
in Essex Charity.

We  are  the  Essex  County  Council  commissioned  service  for  Harlow,
Epping, Brentwood, Thurrock and Basildon.

We  deliver  a  range  of  services,  offering  a  non-judgemental,  trauma
informed  approach  to  support  men,  women  and  children  who  are  or
have experience domestic abuse.  This includes:

•  Safe accommodation
•  Outreach Support
•  Specialist Services for the Global Majority
•  Stalking Support
•  Counselling
•  Training

Joining our team means becoming part of a dynamic, innovative, and
supportive  environment  where  your  growth  and  success  matter.  We
are passionate about what we do, and we value collaboration, creativity,
and excellence. By joining us, you’ll work alongside talented individuals
who  inspire  and  challenge  one  another  to  achieve  their  best.  We  are
committed  to  providing  opportunities  for  professional  development,
fostering  a  culture  of
inclusivity,  and  recognising  the  unique
contributions of every team member. If you’re looking for a workplace
that  values  your  skills,  encourages  your  ideas,  and  supports  your
ambitions, this is the perfect place for you to thrive.

Tania Woodgate

Chief Executive Officer

Our Vision

Our vision is a world in which
all can live fulfilled lives, free
from domestic abuse.  We aim
to create an equitable and just
future for women, men and
their families.

Our Mission

We do this to by helping everyone
find their own pathway out of life of domestic
abuse and change their future for the better. We
understand  the  complexities  of  domestic  abuse  and  that  individual
who connect us are coming from different points in their journey, some
are still in their relationships, some  have left, but regardless of  where
they are, we will support them all.

Our Values

EMPOWER individuals to make their own choices in a safe environment
to enable them to regain their independence.

Work with RESPECT AND DIGNITY, valuing everyone’s experiences and
circumstances and advocating for their unique needs.

EDUCATE  for  the  devastating  impact  that  domestic  abuse  has  on
individuals, local community and society.

COLLABORATE  and  work  in  partnership  with  other  organisations  to
provide the best support for those impacted.

OUR TEAM

Board of Trustees

Thurrock
Refuge
Manager

EDAPP

Health
IDVA

Senior
DAP/CYP
DAP

Refuge
DAP

Basildon
Refuge
Manager

Senior DAP

Refuge
DAP

Chief Executive Officer

Outreach
South
Manager

Senior
IDVA

Outreach
West
Manager

Senior
IDVA

IDVA

IDVA

CYP DAP

CYP DAP

ISAC

DAP

Brighter
Futures
Worker

Cleaner

DAP

Cultural
Specialist
Team

Senior
IDVA

IDVA

DAP

Finance
Manager

Finance
Assistants

Admin
Assistant

Monitoring
&
Evaluation

Adult and
Child
Counselling
Services

Ops Lead

Therapists

Volunteers

The Role

The post holder will be responsible for working in partnerships to develop and
deliver  a  Cultural  Specialist  community-based  support  service  for  global
majority  individuals  experiencing  domestic  abuse  within  South  and  West
Essex,  and  Thurrock.      The  post  holder  will  be  responsible  for  supporting
mainly,  but  not  exclusively,
from  Black  and  Minoritised
individuals
communities  who  have  experienced  domestic  abuse  including  ‘so  called’
honour-based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation and or
insecure immigration status.

Our Staff adhere to our values, that make us PROUD of our organisation.

P

R

O

U

D

Positivity

We approach change and challenges  with a
positive mindset and optimism

Respect

We treat everyone fairly and with respect,
value and celebrate differences

Ownership

Our behaviours are PROUD towards
everyone regardless of their role

Unity

We are one Organisation. Together we are
stronger

Dedication

We uphold a strong commitment to our
clients, our work, the organisation and each
other

Main Responsibilities

1.  Provide OISC Level 1 advice for  immigration applications that fall within
the  published  Immigration  Rules,  such  as  applications  for  visitors,
spouses,  fiances,  and  some  Points-Based  System  and  EUSS
applications.

2.  Identify  any  safeguarding  issues  within  the  services  for  adults  at  risk
and/or children and follow organisational safeguarding procedures to
ensure the swift reporting of concerns to social services and taking any
internal actions necessary.

3.  In  line  with  the  new  Domestic  Abuse  Act,  assess  children’s  needs  as
victims  in  their  own  right,  making  referrals  to  Children’s  Services  for
specialist interventions where necessary.

4.  Provide  services  to  support  individuals  from  Global  Majority  groups
who  have  experienced  domestic  abuse  including  ‘so  called’  honour-
based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation and or
insecure immigration status.

5.  Risk  assess  new  referrals  for  the  service  using  the  Save  Lives  DASH
(Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-Based Violence) tool and make
referrals for high risk individuals as per the local MARAC arrangements.

6.  Provide  agile  safety  planning  for  each  referral  which  recognises  the

dynamic nature of risk within domestic abuse situations.

7.  Formulate client-led, holistic support plans and advocate for clients in
a range of areas including housing, health, social services, legal and civil
orders and children.

8.  Advocate for the specialist cultural needs of Global Majority women and

children referred to refuge within the partnership portfolio.

9.  Deliver  awareness  raising  of  domestic  abuse  within  local  Global

Majority community groups and support services.

10. Deliver training to statutory and voluntary sector professionals.

11.  Identify  Global  Majority  groups  and  relevant  contacts  within  these
communities  and  seek  to  understand  the  difficulties  which  prevent
them from receiving support from domestic abuse providers.

12. Ensure the timely input of data into the online case management tool

for effective reporting of outputs and outcomes.

13. Support  the  attainment  and  maintenance  of  quality  standards

including Women’s Aid National Quality Standards.

14. Act  in  a  professional  manner  at  all  times,  communicating  effectively,
building  and  sustaining  effective  and  appropriate  relationships  at  all
times with survivors, colleagues and partners.

15. Manage a case load ensuring each survivor receives a responsive and

appropriate service individual to their needs.

16. Support  the  empowerment  of  the  survivors  and  assist  them  in
recognising the  features  and  dynamics  of  domestic  abuse present  in
their situation, and help them regain control of their lives.

17. Support high risk survivors at court hearings relating to the domestic

abuse they have experienced.

18. Ensure that all safeguarding measures are delivered in respect of the
service-users and their children and that at all times you adhere strictly
to policies and procedures in respect of safeguarding vulnerable adults
and children.

19. Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising,

providing training and institutional advocacy.

20. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the service
works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of
survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

21. Remain up to date  and compliant with all organisational procedures,
policies,  and  professional  codes  of  conduct  and  uphold  standards  of
best practice.

22. Participate as required in the delivery of contingency plans outside of

the normal shift pattern.

23. Participate  in  Health  and  Safety  procedures  to  ensure  a  safety-first

workplace culture is maintained.

24. Regularly  update  knowledge  around  domestic  abuse,  interpersonal

violence and the wider VAWG context.

25. Maintain  strict  confidentiality,  professional  boundaries  and  security

procedures.

26. Participate  in  Health  and  Safety  procedures  to  ensure  a  safety-first

workplace culture is maintained.

27. Regularly  update  knowledge  around  domestic  abuse,  interpersonal

violence and the wider VAWG context.

28.

Maintain  strict  confidentiality,  professional  boundaries  and

security procedures.

GENERAL:

1.

Identify own training and development needs and participate in all
training courses relevant to the Changing Pathway’s commitment to
providing high quality services.

2.  Work at all times with due regard to the policies and procedures of

Changing Pathways, including financial regulations, participating in
their development and amendment where required.

3.  Willingness to work outside normal working hours including evenings
and weekends and to participate in promotional, fundraising and
income generating events, activities and any other duties as may be
reasonably required by the organisation.

OTHER:

1.  The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service
check which will be carried out at appointment of a candidate.

2.  This post is subject to completion of a six-month probationary period.
3.  Must be mobile to visit sites and work across the whole contract area

as required.  This may involve occasional evening and weekend
working.

4.  Business Insurance to be applied to personal insurance.
5.  Post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9,

part 1

This job description is not designed to provide an exhaustive list of tasks and
therefore the post holder is expected to undertake any other reasonable
duties within the scope of the post as specified by their line manager.

About You

EXPERIENCE

Criteria

Experience of identifying safeguarding
concerns and reporting concerns in line with
local policies and procedures
Experience of working with individuals
experiencing domestic violence and abuse
Demonstratable experience of working
Global Majority communities and excellent
understanding of the issues they face
Experience of multi-agency partnership
working and representing organisations at
external meetings and conferences
Experience  of  providing  workshop,  group
work  and  training  to  young  people  and
professionals

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Criteria

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles
and wider procedures relating to
safeguarding
Knowledge of requirements relating to
storage and retention of case notes such as
Child Protection and Child in Need
documentation
Excellent understanding of all inter personal
violence (including the Power and Control
Wheel)
Office of the Immigration Services
Commissioner LEVEL 1 qualified
Understanding of diversity issues and able to
work with an anti-oppressive approach

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Essential/
Desirable
E

E

E

E

D

Essential/
Desirable
E

D

E

E

E

How Assessed

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

How Assessed

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Criteria

Ability to bring honesty and integrity to
practice and relationships across all areas of
work
High levels of cross-cultural communication
skills and an understanding of linguistic
needs of clients
Ability to risk assess individuals experiencing
domestic abuse using the DASH tool,
including S Dah and H Dash
Ability to work under own initiative and also
in partnership with colleagues
Ability to work flexibly and to travel across
Essex, Thurrock & Southend area and use of a
car
Ability to work collaboratively with other
members of other broader Black and
Minoritised groups within the borough
Fully conversant with IT and numeracy and
literacy skills
Excellent PC skills, i.e. Word, e-mail, excel and
the ability to collate meaningful data and
measurement of outcomes
EDUCATION

Criteria

A good standard of education

A  Save  Lives  IDVA  or  Women’s  Aid  DAPA
qualification  or  other  social  work/care,
housing,  counselling  qualification  or  willing
to undertake training
OTHER

Criteria

Be proactive and demonstrate initiative in
supporting clients with their needs and
identifying appropriate services to meet
individual needs
Need to be highly motivated, able to work
well as a member of a team and to take
responsibility for developing the project

Essential/
Desirable
E

E

E

E

D

E

E

E

How Assessed

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Essential/
Desirable
E

D

How Assessed

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Essential/
Desirable
E

How Assessed

Application
Form/Interview

E

Application
Form/Interview

Maintain confidentiality and adhere to
organisation’s policies and procedures and
data protection
Willingness to undertake training and a
commitment to continuous personal
development
Commitment to equal opportunities and
anti-discriminatory practice
Fluency in at least one language other than
English

E

E

E

E

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

We are committed to operating within the legal framework of the
Equality Act 2010. As our organisation qualifies for an exemption under
Section 9 of the Act, we only recruit female candidates for this role. This
exemption is applied lawfully and in accordance with the specific
occupational requirements of our organisation.

What you can  expect from us

Supportive Work Environment

•  A culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity.
•  Open-door policy for feedback, ideas, and concerns.

Opportunities for Growth

•  Continuous  learning  through  training  programs,  workshops,

and certifications.

•  Clear career progression paths to help you achieve your goals.

Work-Life Balance

•  Flexible working hours and hybrid/remote work options.
•  Paid time off, holidays, and wellness days.

Competitive Compensation

•  Fair and market-aligned salary packages.

Recognition and Rewards

•  Regular acknowledgment of individual and team contributions.
•  Awards, shout-outs, and celebrations of success.

Innovation and Creativity

•  Encouragement to bring new ideas to the table.
•  Freedom to innovate, experiment, and grow professionally.

A Focus on Well-Being

•  Mental health resources and employee assistance programs.

Social Responsibility

•  Commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Empowerment and Autonomy

•  Trust in employees to take ownership of their work.
•  Support for independent decision-making and problem-Solving.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contract

Salary
Reports to:
Benefits Include

Hours
Leave
Expenses

Location

Occupational  Sick
Pay
Notice Period

This is a full time position. On a permanent term
contact.
30,000 per annum paid monthly
Senior IDVA and Operations Manager
Contributory  Pension  Scheme.  Equipment  to
undertake  your  role  (hybrid).    Training  and
developed tailored to your level of experience.
Staff  Discounts  on  BrightHR.    Pets  at  Work
Policy.
37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
25 days per year plus bank holidays.
You  will  be  reimbursed  for  all  reasonable
expenses  which  are  incurred  by  you  in  the
proper performance of your duties
Watergardens,  Harlow  –  mainly  remote  with  a
requirement  to  attend  the  office  once  per
month and 6 meetings in Essex per year.
Parking is charged and reimbursed.
On successful completion of probation, we offer
tiered sickness pay benefits.
4 weeks’ notice

How to apply
Please complete our application form and email completed form
to welcome@changingpathways.org stating clearly in the subject
line the post you are applying for.

Those  shortlisted  for  interviewed  will  be  informed  by  email  no
later than two weeks after the closing date.  Only those who are
successfully shortlisted will be contacted.