Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Part-Time 25390 £ / year Home office (partial)
Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide tailored support to victims of sexual violence and navigate the criminal justice system.
  • Company: SAIL, a leader in supporting survivors of sexual violence in Derbyshire.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in support work and a commitment to helping others.

SAIL is looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Your primary role will be to provide a pro-active service for adults who have been or are victims and survivors of sexual violence. You will work within and outside of the criminal justice system, throughout Derbyshire. This post is funded until March 2028.

Salary: £24,567.90 unqualified / £26,212.20 qualified + employer pension contribution 3% pro rata. This is a part-time post of 21 hours per week. Salary paid pro rata.

SAIL is an established leader in the field of working with victims and survivors of childhood sexual abuse, incest, rape, and all forms of sexual violence. We work with all genders from all communities. Currently, our service provides specialist ISVA, counselling, drama therapy, support groups, helpline, and drop-in.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) play an important role in providing specialist tailored support to victims and survivors of sexual violence. An ISVA is an adviser who works with people who have experienced rape and sexual assault, irrespective of whether they have reported to the police.

Brief Job Description:
  • You must have extensive experience of planning, working with high caseloads, alongside strong crisis management skills.
  • Experience in Support Work roles such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health, advocacy support, or a related field is required.
  • You can demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the needs of adult victims and survivors of sexual violence.
  • You must be able to prioritise cases and work in collaboration with other agencies throughout Derbyshire including the CPS and the police.
  • You will have a working knowledge of the court system and be able to support clients to navigate through it with ease and confidence.
  • You will have an approved and accredited ISVA qualification or a willingness to undertake the ISVA qualification.
  • You must have at least one year’s experience in safeguarding (adults/children).
  • You will be required to attend relevant meetings and will provide regular reports to your line manager.
  • You will be required to provide talks and presentations to local groups/agencies on the work of SAIL, with a strong commitment to developing networks and partnerships to increase awareness of the ISVA role in the community.
  • You will be required to travel across Derbyshire; the use of a vehicle would be a distinct advantage.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Part-time hours: 21 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location / WFH one day a week

Application deadline: 12th July 2026

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) employer: Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line

SAIL is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence, offering a collaborative and compassionate work environment in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. With a strong focus on employee growth, SAIL provides opportunities for professional development, including the chance to gain accredited qualifications as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. The organisation values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all employees feel supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line

Contact Details:

Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Get Involved in Community Events

Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!

Join Social Work Networks

Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!

Make Your Passion Shine

When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!

Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards

Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!

We think you need these skills to ace Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Crisis Management Skills
Support Work Experience
Advocacy Support
Understanding of Sexual Violence
Case Prioritisation
Collaboration with Agencies
Knowledge of Court System

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.

Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.

Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line

Show Your Passion for Helping Others

In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line.

Know Your Social Work Theories

You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) at Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line.

Flexibility and Availability are Key

As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.

Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion

Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Sail Sexual Abuse & Incest Line that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) role.