At a Glance
- Tasks: Support male survivors of sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: First Light, a committed organisation for equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing resources, hybrid working, and annual pay review.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and support for emotional wellbeing included.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of male survivors while championing inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people, crisis work, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 25954 - 28002 £ per year.
Salary: £25,954 pro‐rata per annum, rising to £26,364 upon successful completion of probation and £28,002 after accreditation.
Hours: 30 hours per week
Holiday: 25 days annual holiday, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service per annum plus bank holidays.
Base: Second Floor, 9 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, GLOUCESTER, GL1 3ND
This post is restricted to male applicants. 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.
Key responsibilities:- 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.
- Risk‐assess and support client needs, developing 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.
- Operate an assertive, client‐led outreach service, meeting clients in locations where they feel most comfortable and safe, in line 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.
- 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 face additional barriers to engagement.
- Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims, family, and society informs all work with victims and partner agencies.
- Prioritise the safety, security, and dignity of service users and colleagues.
- Liaise with Police and CPS on behalf of clients, with the client's informed consent, and adhere to confidentiality policy in information release. Keep the victim informed about case progress in line with the Victims Code of Practice.
- Evidence of IT and computer literacy skills.
- Full driving licence.
- Experience working with vulnerable people and/or crisis work.
- Experience in the criminal, civil justice and/or health & social care systems.
- Ability to undertake risk assessments.
- Ability to build rapport and develop and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, professionals and stakeholders.
- Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
- Managing a caseload.
- Working alone in an office and independently in the community.
- A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for a 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 well‐being.
- Health and wellbeing resources including our staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our 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. We encourage applications from all sections of the community and all backgrounds regardless of age, race, faith, disability, neurodiversities, genders, gender expression or sexuality.
- Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.
Additional Information – The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check and a social media check conducted as part of our Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer of employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of these checks and the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, one being from your current or most recent employer.
Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male in London employer: First Light
First Light is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting male survivors of sexual violence through a trauma-informed and gender-responsive approach. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer comprehensive training, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and access to mental health resources, ensuring our staff feel valued and supported in their roles. Located in Gloucester, our inclusive work culture fosters growth and collaboration, making it a rewarding environment for those seeking meaningful employment in advocacy and support services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at First Light.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from First Light!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like First Light, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at First Light or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to First Light:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to First Light! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
