Swindon and Wiltshire Children & Young Peoples Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (Fixed Term)

Could you be the steady voice and safe space a person needs during the most difficult time of their life? We’re looking for someone special to join our team as a Children and Young Person Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CYP ISVA) – someone who is passionate, resilient, and ready to walk alongside people who have reported rape or sexual assault to the police.

My role is vital in empowering young people and their carers to make informed choices during a difficult time in their lives. With many external pressures, such as education, family, and mental health, having a consistent professional to support them through the police process and beyond provides much-needed stability. Despite the challenges, knowing that I have made a difference, even in the smallest way, is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue this important work.

In this role, no two days are the same. You’ll:

• Support young clients under 18, continuing care if they turn 18.
• Help families navigate the police investigation and court process.
• Work closely with schools to ensure practical support is in place.
• Provide emotional reassurance.
• Be a source of strength during moments of vulnerability.

This job is challenging, but incredibly meaningful. If you’re someone who believes in empowering young survivors, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £24,956 per annum rising to £25,350 per annum on successful completion of probation. After successful completion of ISVA accreditation rising to £26,925.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Holiday: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service per annum plus bank holidays

Base: The Gables, Swindon, possibility for hybrid or some remote working where appropriate

Area Covered: Swindon and Wiltshire

Contract: Fixed term for 18 months.

About the Role: To work in a multi-agency setting providing a proactive crisis intervention service to child victims of sexual violence within and outside of the criminal justice system. The post holder will work proactively to risk assess and support client needs and develop a comprehensive support plan to help keep victims safe. This role will use advocacy and partnership working skills to ensure victims are supported throughout the criminal justice system from report to court, and to access services to which they are entitled.

There is a commitment to providing a high quality, victim-focused and inclusive service as outlined in the Victim Code of Practice. The post holder will manage a busy caseload and have excellent partnership skills and an understanding of Children’s and Vulnerable people Safeguarding procedures. This role will work proactively as part of the ISVA Team and will have respect for the diversity of the community in which the service works to ensure the services are accessible to all.

The post holder will be required to provide advocacy and information to clients in high-risk situations where the safety of the service user and self is to be prioritised. Appropriate professional record keeping is required using the client information system. We encourage applications from all genders.

Key responsibilities:

• The Post Holder should have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of Sexual Violence, and its impact on Victims, Family Members and Wider Society.
• The post holder will travel throughout Swindon and Wiltshire to provide support to clients under 18 years of age.
• Manage a caseload of clients aged 0-18 that will vary between child sexual abuse/violence and child sexual exploitation cases, providing an individual support care plan to meet their needs.
• The post holder will provide face to face, telephone and email support to clients and their supporters where appropriate.
• Ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and child sexual exploitation, and its impact on victims, family members and wider society.
• Be proactive and develop the role of the Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CYP ISVA) across First Light.
• Be respectful of the diversity of CYP’s and of the need to prioritise the accessibility of service provision.
• CYP ISVA will support children and young people through the criminal justice process and liaise with the police accordingly.
• The CYP ISVA’s will respond to crisis situations as they arise with their clients and complete onward safeguarding referrals.
• CYP ISVA’s will engage with other agencies such as Paediatric SARC (The Bridge), CAMHS, social services, police and counselling services to provide a multi-agency approach for their clients.
• The Post Holder will hold a Valid UK Driving License and have access to a Vehicle.

Added benefits:

• A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for a better work/life balance.
• Upon successful completion of probation, candidates will attend the ISVA Development Programme.
• A well-being 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 well-being resources including our staff Well-being Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our employee engagement platform.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which includes 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. First Light are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have an LGBTQIA+ Staff Network.
• 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 by a third-party organisation as part of our Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer of employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of these checks, as well as the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, with one being from your current or most recent employer.

Please note that in some roles staff may be required to work from a home/office base in accordance with our Hybrid Working policy.

Deadline for receipt of applications: 09:00, Wednesday 9th July 2025

Expected date for interviews: Tuesday 15th July 2025

If you do not hear from us within 10 working days of the deadline for receipt of applications, please assume you have been unsuccessful at this time. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert early for the right candidate, so we encourage early applications.

To apply: Due to Safeguarding requirements, we are unable to accept CVs as part of your application, or employ any candidate who has been a client of First Light within the last two years.