At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Black femme survivors of gender-based violence through advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: HERSANA CIC, a non-profit dedicated to empowering Black femmes.
- Benefits: Receive training, support, and work in a passionate team focused on community impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Black femmes and help create safe spaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy, understanding of GBV, and commitment to supporting Black women.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
HERSANA CIC is a non-profit organisation providing tailored support to Black femmes who have faced all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Our commitment lies in offering a unique service shaped by and for Black femmes, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing the intersectional needs of Black women, Black non-binary people, and Black trans individuals who identify with and feel safe within femme-led spaces.
Our vision as an organisation and for our community is that one day we will live in a society where Black femmes feel confident in reporting their experiences, accessing holistic support services, and being believed, empowered, and supported on their journey to recovery. Our mission is to create wholistic, gender-specialist, culturally specific and trauma-informed safe spaces for Black women and girls affected by or at risk of gender-based violence across England and Wales, as well as campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls in all its forms.
We aim to centre Black femmes in every narrative and to provide these services in a safe and Black femme only environment. Over the years, our service has sought to support and empower Black femme survivors to cope and build resilience, be better informed, reduce the risk of further victimisation, improve health and wellbeing, and receive the right support.
HERSANA provides advocacy services to clients who have experienced or are at risk of all forms of GBV. Our Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocates and dedicated team offer holistic support to survivors navigating the criminal justice system, housing, health, and other immediate and long-term needs.
As a leading expert on violence against women and girls, HERSANA provides accredited and tailored training to a wide range of statutory professional services and workshops to schools, colleges and community groups. We use the knowledge gained through working on the frontlines with clients to advocate for national and local policy change, to improve outcomes statutory guidance for Black femme victims and survivors of GBV. We build evidence through key pieces of research. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of Black femmes around the country. We equally contribute to ongoing research and knowledge development on Black femme specific subjects. These resources reflect our dedication to enhancing understanding, support, and empowerment within our community.
Additionally, we provide in-person and online therapeutic support to our service users in Sussex, Surrey, and London. Our daily work aims to contribute to and create value within the sector, ensuring Black femmes are not just accommodated but become principal players in the design, delivery, and access to support services.
BEING AN INDEPENDENT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ADVOCATE AT HERSANA
As an experienced IGVA you will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service to ensure the voice of Black femme survivors informs every stage of the process. Working as part of a team you will support a range of clients, making proactive contact and providing high quality advocacy and support which is led by client needs and risk assessments.
We have a strong commitment to community and partnership working which means you may also have the opportunity to get involved in delivering training and outreach work. You will ideally hold an ISVA and/or IDVA accreditation and have an excellent understanding of gender-based violence and abuse and its effects on women and children, and of best practice within the support sector.
As an experienced advocate who has worked with complex and multiple needs, you will be skilled in risk management and safety planning, remaining calm in a crisis and in handling sensitive information daily. Experience of direct work with Black femme survivors of abuse and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote a strong partnership approach to service provision.
You will be highly organised, self-motivated, and passionate about ending gender-based violence and creating safe spaces for Black femmes. You will have a "can-do" approach and demonstrable commitment to HERSANA's feminist approach to supporting Black women and their children to be safer. You will receive training and support for this role, as necessary.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, you’ll need to complete the Application Form, including the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Section. When completing it please relate your application to the requirements stated in the attached person specification, as shortlisting for interview is dependent on the extent to which your application matches these. We are unable to accept CVs. We are accepting applications from Sussex and London. Black and 'Minority Ethnic' Women only need apply (Schedule 9, Part 1, 158 and 159 Equality Act 2010). All posts are subject to a DBS vetting and barring check.
Deadline Extended: We are still accepting applications for the Independent Gender-Based Violence Advocate role (Sussex) on an ongoing basis. We request no contact from recruitment agencies.
Independent Gender-Based Violence Advocate (Sussex) employer: Hersana
HERSANA CIC is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment for Black femmes affected by gender-based violence. With a strong commitment to community engagement, employees benefit from tailored training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve. Our inclusive work culture prioritises collaboration and advocacy, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping services that truly reflect the needs of our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Gender-Based Violence Advocate (Sussex)
✨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 Hersana.
✨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 Hersana!
✨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 Hersana, 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 Hersana 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 Independent Gender-Based Violence Advocate (Sussex)
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 Hersana:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hersana! 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 Hersana
✨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.
