At a Glance
- Tasks: Support male survivors of sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: First Light, a dedicated organisation focused on equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, wellbeing resources, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a team committed to diversity and personal wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of male survivors while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people, strong communication skills, and IT literacy.
The predicted salary is between 24956 - 26925 £ per year.
Salary: £24,956 per annum (pro-rata) rising to £25,350 per annum upon successful completion of probation and £26,925 per annum after accreditation.
Hours: 30 hours per week
Holiday: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service per annum plus bank holidays
Base: Second Floor, 9 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, GLOUCESTER, GL1 3ND
Area Covered: Gloucestershire
Contract: Permanent
Only male applicants are considered. This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as the role provides specialist advocacy and crisis intervention in a multi‑agency setting to male survivors of sexual violence, including men and boys and those who identify as LGBTQ+. We welcome applications from cis men, trans men, and non‑binary people who identify as male.
The post holder will:
- Deliver gender‑responsive, trauma‑informed advocacy, supporting male survivors from first disclosure through recovery, and where chosen, through the criminal justice system from report to court;
- Work pro‑actively to risk assess and support client needs and develop a comprehensive support plan to keep victims safe;
- Manage a specialist caseload, demonstrating an understanding of male‑specific barriers to disclosure, safeguarding procedures, and the impact of trauma on men affected by sexual violence;
- Operate an assertive, client‑led outreach service, meeting clients where they feel most comfortable and safe in accordance with service policies and risk assessments;
- Support survivors through reporting, investigation, prosecution, court processes and post‑court recovery where appropriate;
- Work assertively and flexibly, including outreach delivery in locations where survivors feel safe and comfortable;
- Build trusted relationships with statutory and voluntary partners to improve pathways and frontline responsiveness for male victims;
- Champion equity of access and inclusion, particularly for men who identify as LGBTQ+ or who face additional barriers to engagement;
- Be highly motivated, flexible and able to work unsupervised on a day‑to‑day basis;
- Work autonomously while remaining closely connected to the wider ISVA team and organisational values of First Light.
Key responsibilities:
- Ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims, family members and wider society informs all work with victims and partner agencies;
- Prioritise the safety, security and dignity of service users and colleagues in all interventions;
- Operate an assertive, client‑led outreach service in locations where clients feel most comfortable and safe;
- Support clients through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the procedures and their role and rights, and act as a first point of contact to relevant Criminal Justice agencies;
- Liaise with Police and CPS on behalf of clients, with client consent and under confidentiality policy, keeping victims informed about case progress in line with the Victims Code of Practice.
Essential requirements:
- Evidence of IT and computer literacy skills;
- Full driving licence;
- Experience working with vulnerable people and/or crisis work;
- Undertaking risk assessments;
- Experience in criminal/civil justice and/or health;
- Ability to build rapport and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, professionals and stakeholders;
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately;
- Managing a caseload;
- Working alone in an office and independently in the community.
Added benefits:
- A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for better work‑life balance;
- A wellbeing day per financial year (1st April to 31st March);
- Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases, to ensure emotional and psychological wellbeing;
- Health and wellbeing resources including the staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee and an employee engagement platform;
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support;
- Working for an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, encouraging applications from all sections of the community;
- Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.
All candidates will be subject to a Disclosure.
Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male employer: First Light
First Light is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting male survivors of sexual violence through a trauma-informed and client-led approach. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and access to mental health resources, ensuring our team feels valued and supported. Located in Gloucester, our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. We want to see how you align with our mission, so be ready to share your thoughts on supporting male survivors and your approach to advocacy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it relates to the role of an ISVA.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an ISVA. We want to see how you can support male survivors and understand their unique challenges.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on any work you've done with vulnerable individuals or in crisis situations. We’re looking for evidence that you can handle sensitive information and build rapport with clients.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by male survivors, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to support clients effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with vulnerable people or in crisis situations. Prepare examples that highlight your skills in risk assessment, managing caseloads, and building rapport with clients. This will show the interviewers that you have the practical skills needed for the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires a high level of flexibility and the ability to work autonomously. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in past roles and how you can meet clients where they feel most comfortable. This will illustrate your client-led approach and commitment to their safety.
✨Engage with the Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisational values of First Light and be ready to discuss how you align with them. Show your passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in relation to supporting male survivors. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're a good fit for the team.
