At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist advocacy and support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Company: Hestia, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to social impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across community hubs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals while empowering them.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting survivors of gender-based violence and understanding of trauma-informed care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Right now, we are looking for an Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate to play a pivotal role in our Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Service in Newham.
The Alessia Project is a commissioned independent service based in Newham, supporting individuals aged 16+ who sell sex and/or experience sexual exploitation. Through strong multi-agency partnerships, service users are supported with a range of needs including housing, finances, health, emotional wellbeing, therapy, and safeguarding. The project prioritises autonomy and empowerment, while recognising and responding to the vulnerabilities, risks, and exploitation that can be associated with survival sex work.
As an Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA), the role involves providing specialist advocacy and high-quality support to sex workers and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting risk assessments and safety planning
- Managing a caseload of high-risk clients
- Representing victims at MARAC
- Making safeguarding referrals
- Delivering outreach and drop-in support
- Working collaboratively with police, health, housing, and community organisations
Using a strengths-based and harm-reduction approach, the IDSVA supports individuals to increase their safety, confidence, independence, and overall quality of life while ensuring their voice remains central to all aspects of support and decision-making.
Candidates should have experience of providing practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of gender-based violence, using a trauma-informed and person-centred approach. A thorough understanding of risk assessment, safety planning, safeguarding, and the impact of trauma is essential, as is the ability to effectively support individuals with complex and multiple needs.
They will be confident working within multi-agency environments, building strong partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector agencies, and contributing to processes such as MARAC. A sound knowledge of housing law, welfare benefits, legal remedies available to survivors, safeguarding legislation, and the legal framework surrounding sex work is highly desirable. Above all, the role requires someone who can build trusting, non-judgemental relationships, empower service users to achieve their goals, remain calm under pressure, and demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, service user involvement, and continuous professional development.
This is a floating support role that requires travel across the Borough Newham to our community hubs.
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences different people and communities bring to our organisation.
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate in Slough employer: Hestia Housing & Support
At Hestia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities while championing diversity and equal opportunities. Located in London, our team collaborates closely with various community organisations, ensuring that our employees are part of a supportive network that empowers them to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate in Slough
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support.
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support!
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support, 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 Hestia Housing & Support 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 Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate in Slough
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 Hestia Housing & Support:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hestia Housing & Support! 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 Hestia Housing & Support
✨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.
