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- Tasks: Provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence, navigating the criminal justice system.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in the lives of survivors.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals through their toughest times.
- Qualifications: A-level education, experience with vulnerable clients, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with various agencies.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse. The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.
Main Purpose
To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence. The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations.
Responsibilities
- Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.
- Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.
- Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.
- Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.
- Assess the risk and support needs of clients.
- Develop individual support plans to address risks/support needs of clients.
- Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.
- Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
- Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.
- Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.
- Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.
- Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.
- Assist clients accessing special measures.
- Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.
- Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
- Help clients to develop their own support network.
- Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.
- Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.
- Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.
- To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.
- Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.
- Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines, strategies within practice area if necessary.
- Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.
- Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.
Qualifications
- Educated to A-level standard.
- Experience of working with vulnerable clients.
- Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
- Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.
- Pro-active.
- Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.
- A good listener.
- Strong crisis management skills.
- Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work on own without close supervision.
- Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.
- Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.
- Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.
- Willingness to undertake regular training.
- Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.
- Ability to work safely and within boundaries.
- Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.
- Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.
- Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.
- Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Professional qualification in social work or related field.
- Current full driving license and own vehicle.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) in Reading employer: The Trust
Contact Detail:
The Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of sexual violence advocacy. Attend relevant events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to supporting survivors and think about how your skills align with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to handling sensitive situations. Use role-play with a friend or family member to build confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an ISVA. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Empathy: As an ISVA, empathy is key! In your written application, share examples of how you've supported vulnerable clients in the past. This will help us see your understanding of the sensitive nature of the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for supporting survivors shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the criminal justice system, especially as it relates to survivors of sexual violence. Familiarise yourself with relevant laws and procedures, as well as the support services available. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
As an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, empathy is key. Prepare to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations with clients. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated a non-judgmental and supportive attitude, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Crisis Management Skills
Be ready to talk about how you handle high-pressure situations. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed crises or supported vulnerable individuals. Highlight your ability to stay calm and focused while providing the necessary support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's approach to supporting survivors and how they collaborate with other agencies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
