At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of sexual crime by creating personalised care and recovery plans.
- Company: Join Northumbria Police, a leading force dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: 26 days leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of victims and support their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting victims and excellent communication skills required.
Salary: Band 6 – £30,276 to £32,613 per annum (Please note it is Northumbria Police policy to appoint at the beginning of the salary band)
Location: Forth Banks, with agile home working
Hours/Contract: 37 hours per week, 2 year fixed term contract / secondment
Working for #TeamNP
Our purpose at Team NP is simple: to keep people safe and to fight crime. But it takes more than officers alone to do the job – and that’s where our 2,000-strong team of police staff and 200 volunteers come in. As one of the largest police forces in England we have a huge variety of departments and specialisms offering you endless opportunities.
This exciting opportunity enables you to support and advise all victims of rape and serious sexual offences who are identified as having needs. Based on their personal situation, circumstances and needs, you will develop personalised coping and recovery plans, co-ordinating support for victims in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
What you’ll do:
- Support victims of sexual crime by creating, developing and updating personal care and recovery plans ultimately helping them cope and recover from the impact of the crime. This includes attending court, monitoring crime progress and maintaining effective communication with them to build trust and confidence.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders such as specialist staff, victim care partners, volunteer services and third-party service providers, referring victims and co-ordinating services to ensure a victim receives the practical and emotional support they need to cope and recover.
- Provide impartial advice and information to any victims thinking of reporting crimes to the police.
- Maintain and further improve services by supporting the research of local and national working practices and initiatives in relation to victims of sexual offences.
- Maintain records of contact, information received, and action taken to ensure accurate and up to date information and statistics are available.
Experience and knowledge:
- Experience of working with and supporting victims of sexual crimes and violence including support throughout the criminal justice setting or court proceedings.
- Passionate about delivering the highest standard of care and service, remaining resilient whilst dealing with difficult circumstances.
- Excellent communications skills adapting your communication style to deal with a range of individuals and partners both internal and external.
- Experience of managing high caseloads, prioritising when needed, ensuring all systems and records are maintained accurately.
- Demonstrable ability to coordinate effective end to end case management experience including assessing risk, managing plans, accurate recording, professional judgement, and working to deadlines and timescales.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and innovative solutions to ensure victim satisfaction.
We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Harnessing these differences creates a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, and their talents are fully utilised. Appointments are based on merit alone.
What we offer:
- 26 days’ leave (increasing to 30 days for 5 years+ service) plus 8 bank holidays
- NHS Fleet Solutions Car Lease Scheme
- Enhanced maternity, shared parental and adoption leave
- Flexi time - allowing you to fit your working hours around your individual needs
- Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
- Agile working – option to work from home, your team zone, and spaces across the force
- Fantastic market-leading public sector pension scheme with up to 16% employer contribution
- Corporate travel schemes – local rail, bus services and metro discounts
- Access to private healthcare and eye test vouchers
- Discounts on shopping and eating out thanks to the Blue Light Card and Blue Light Tickets
- Extensive paid sick leave, trained mental health first aiders on-site, an employee advice service for additional support
- Access to gyms in some stations
- Sports & Social Club – join our thriving sports scene at Team NP and enjoy further exclusive discounts on days out and travel
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity to volunteer in local community
We are committed to building a dynamic, agile workplace where meaningful connections are key. For roles designated as agile or home-based, employees will work from a Force site at least once a week, with two days recommended. Hiring managers will be happy to discuss how this works in practice at interview stage.
Just so you know, candidates with priority status will be given precedence for this role over other applicants. We are proud members of the Business Disability Forum, working together to improve the lives of disabled employees. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you tell us that you have a disability, we can make adjustments to support you through the recruitment process (for example we can arrange extra time for tests or provide a sign language interpreter). You can get in touch with us via careers@northumbria.police.uk for any support regarding the application process. Please provide us with plenty of notice so we can ensure your visit goes smoothly.
Use of AI in Applications: At Northumbria Police, we embrace innovative technologies to enhance our recruitment process. We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While AI can be a valuable resource, we encourage applicants to ensure their submissions accurately reflect their personal qualifications, experiences, and skills.
ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Adviser) x 4 in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Northumbria
Northumbria Police is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. As a Training Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community safety while benefiting from comprehensive training programmes and career advancement opportunities in a dynamic environment committed to protecting vulnerable individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Adviser) x 4 in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Northumbria.
✨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 Northumbria!
✨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 Northumbria, 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 Northumbria 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 ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Adviser) x 4 in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Northumbria:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Northumbria! 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 Northumbria
✨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.
