At a Glance
- Tasks: Support child victims of sexual violence through crisis intervention and advocacy.
- Company: First Light, a dedicated organisation focused on equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, well-being resources, and professional training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to diversity and personal well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle required.
Salary: £25,954 per annum rising to £26,364 per annum on successful completion of probation and £28,002 per annum after accreditation
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00)
Base: The Gables, Swindon, possibility for hybrid or some remote working where appropriate
Area Covered: Swindon and Wiltshire
Contract: Fixed term 18 month contract.
About the Role
To work in a multi-agency setting providing a pro-active crisis intervention service to child victims of sexual violence within and outside of the criminal justice system. The post holder will work pro-actively 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 is 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.
Essential requirements:
- 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.
- 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 Monday 21st September 2026
Expected date for interviews: Monday 28th September 2026
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
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Swindon and Wiltshire Children & Young Peoples Independent Sexual Viol employer: First Light
First Light UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and trauma-informed work environment for Health and Social Care IDVAs in Plymouth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing domestic abuse. The organisation fosters a collaborative culture, ensuring that employees have access to vital resources and support systems, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding and purposeful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Swindon and Wiltshire Children & Young Peoples Independent Sexual Viol
✨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 Swindon and Wiltshire Children & Young Peoples Independent Sexual Viol
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.
