At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of sexual violence with emotional and practical assistance.
- Company: Join ARCH Teesside, a respected specialist sexual violence service.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive team environment, and meaningful work.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a compassionate and dedicated team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors and help them access vital support.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting trauma-affected individuals and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
We are here to support, promote and develop voluntary and community action in Middlesbrough. ARCH Teesside are recruiting for an ISVA Support Worker. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our established and respected, specialist sexual violence team. ARCH Teesside is a specialist sexual violence service with over 25 years’ experience of delivering quality support to victim/survivors of sexual violence/abuse. Based in Middlesbrough, we provide advocacy services to adults and children and young people across Teesside.
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual who works well as part of a team to join our Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting survivors of sexual violence by providing emotional and practical support, maintaining engagement with services and helping individuals access the support they need whilst awaiting or receiving specialist intervention.
Hours: 35 hours per week (negotiable)
Contract: Fixed Term – Temporary Contract 5 months
The post will focus on maintaining contact with survivors awaiting allocation, conducting wellbeing and welfare check-ins, identifying and escalating safeguarding concerns and supporting survivors to access appropriate local and national services. You will work closely with qualified ISVAs, helping survivors stay engaged with support whilst enabling ISVAs to focus on complex advocacy, safeguarding and criminal justice work.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience of supporting people affected by trauma, abuse or other complex experiences within health, social care, voluntary sector or criminal justice settings. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, a compassionate and survivor-centred approach and a good understanding of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
Closing date: Wednesday 27th August 2026, 5pm. Interviews 1st and 2nd of September. Please note, only successful candidates will be contacted. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
ISVA Support Worker employer: MVDA
The Junction is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and young people in Middlesbrough. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. As a charity, we provide meaningful opportunities for our staff to engage with the community, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in fostering trust and belonging among vulnerable youth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ISVA Support Worker
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to MVDA, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace ISVA Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of MVDA. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at MVDA. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at MVDA
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with MVDA.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary ISVA Support Worker role at MVDA, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show MVDA that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
