Specialist Male/LGBT Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA)

Salary: £19,621 - £22,221 dependent on qualifications and experience.

Hours: 37 hours per week

With occasional weekends and evenings as and when the organisation requires (flexi-scheme available)

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS Check and Police Vetting 

We are looking for a highly motivated Male/LGBT Independent Sexual Violence Adviser to provide emotional and practical support to people who have experienced rape or sexual abuse; alongside a Helpline Adviser to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence via the UAVA Public Helpline

Main purposes of the post:

To provide pro-active services to adult victims of sexual violence within and outside the criminal justice to:

a) Risk assess clients and help clients keep safe

b) Ensure clients are aware of their options in relation to the recording and reporting of sexual assault

c) Help clients access their rights that they are entitled to including access to health and other services that they require

d) Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress e) To ensure that the support is working to internal and multi-agency best practice guidelines; with the aim of increasing victim satisfaction, decreasing re-victimisation, ensuring victims have access to appropriate and timely support, explore reporting options and a reduction in victim withdrawals from the criminal justice process where appropriate

Main duties:

• To have a clear understanding of the myths and facts of sexual violence, rape trauma syndrome, the long term mental health effects of sexual violence, self-harm, suicidal feelings and attempts.
• Work within a multi-agency setting to provide institutional advocacy for the rights of the client.
• Provide support and facilitate access to clients who have reported to the police, or referred to the service by a hospital or other organisation, if possible, within 24 hours of initial attendance for forensic examination or support, and subsequently as necessary until other support is identified or at the client’s request.
• Undertaking risk assessment and support needs analysis with client.
• Developing individual safety & support plans (SAS) to address risks/support needs of client.
• If assault was domestic violence related, liaise with the wider DV service. If the client is assessed as high risk, liaise with the IDVA and ensure a referral to MARAC is made following locally agreed protocols and attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC. 
• Helping clients to access services to which they are entitled, e.g., through established referral pathways to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services and local counseling organisations, assisting with the arrangement of child care and return to work or education as appropriate.
• To keep an up to date information knowledge base about appropriate and useful services to support clients who have a range of complex support needs. Liaising with team leader/service manager in developing referral routes and pathways as necessary.
• Providing face to face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters.
• Help clients to develop their own support network and access appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Explaining criminal sanctions, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
• Providing information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
• Where relevant (e.g. domestic violence cases), keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.
• Ensure child protection and vulnerable adult policies and procedures are followed at all times. 

Qualifications (Assessed by Application)

Essential:

A degree or recognised professional qualification in a related field (or alternatively a minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within the sexual violence or related field).

Desirable:

Recognised Accredited ISVA Qualification or equivalent professional qualification 

Adult and Young Person’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA) 

Salary: £19,621 - £22,221 dependent on qualifications and experience.

Hours: 37 hours per week

With occasional weekends and evenings as and when the organisation requires (flexi-scheme available)

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS Check and Police Vetting 

We are looking for three highly motivated Independent Sexual Violence Advisers to provide emotional and practical support to people who have experienced rape or sexual abuse; alongside a Helpline Adviser to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence via the UAVA Public Helpline

Main purposes of the post; 

To provide pro-active services to adult victims of sexual violence within and outside the criminal justice to:

a) Risk assess clients and help clients keep safe

b) Ensure clients are aware of their options in relation to the recording and reporting of sexual assault

c) Help clients access their rights that they are entitled to including access to health and other services that they require

d) Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress

e) To ensure that the support is working to internal and multi-agency best practice guidelines; with the aim of increasing victim satisfaction, decreasing re-victimisation, ensuring victims have access to appropriate and timely support, explore reporting options and a reduction in victim withdrawals from the criminal justice process where appropriate

Main duties:

• To have a clear understanding of the myths and facts of sexual violence, rape trauma syndrome, the long term mental health effects of sexual violence, self-harm, suicidal feelings and attempts. 
• Work within a multi-agency setting to provide institutional advocacy for the rights of the client.
• Helping clients to access services to which they are entitled, e.g., through established referral pathways to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services and local counseling organisations, assisting with the arrangement of child care and return to work or education as appropriate.
• To keep an up to date information knowledge base about appropriate and useful services to support clients who have a range of complex support needs. Liaising with team leader/service manager in developing referral routes and pathways as necessary.
• Providing face to face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters.
• Help clients to develop their own support network and access appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Explaining criminal sanctions, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
• Providing information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
• Where relevant (e.g. domestic violence cases), keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.
• Ensure child protection and vulnerable adult policies and procedures are followed at all times. 

Qualifications (Assessed by Application)

Essential:

A degree or recognised professional qualification in a related field (or alternatively a minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within the sexual violence or related field).

Desirable:

Recognised Accredited ISVA Qualification or equivalent professional qualification 

Duties and Responsibilities

Development & Support Work:

• To work alongside Umbrella colleagues and women experiencing domestic abuse to assess need and identify appropriate support programmes • To deliver one to one support to women around their experiences of abuse • To develop clear referral pathways into ongoing support for women and their children where necessary • To bring specialist domestic abuse knowledge, skills and understanding into the team through briefings, joint working and participation in reflective learning sessions • To carry out detailed monitoring and evaluation of all support work and keep an accurate record in line with relevant legislation • To ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out and that all venues, equipment and activities comply with Health and Safety requirements and other relevant legislation.

Administration:

• To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems. • To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users. • To keep accurate records of financial transactions in line with BSWA procedures. • To provide monthly reports to the Manager about work that has taken place, feedback from service users and produce statistical information about participation. • To contribute to the preparation of reports for funders. 

Communication:

• To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuges, staff, volunteers and service users by: a) maintaining BSWA communication records b) following safety procedures c) attending team and other meetings • To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager. • To attend substance misuse service team meetings and learning sessions as agreed by your line manager

Training:

• To identify and attend training relevant to the post, in agreement with your line manager. • To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users. Page 2 of 3 • To raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and BSWA services.

General:

• To maintain the confidentiality of the women, children and young people using the service. • To maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation. • To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation, adhering to BSWA’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. • To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level with a particular reference to those related to working with children and young people. • To adhere to Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, and Adult Safeguarding procedures throughout. • To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times. • To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA. • To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager. • To undertake any other duties required by BSWA which may arise incidentally, develop or be assigned commensurate with the post

RSVP is expanding our team of Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (CYP ISVAs). We want a new full time ISVA for this post, which is funded until 31st March 2022. You will join an experienced CYP ISVA Team to support children and young people (CYP) who have been subjected to sexual abuse, sexual violence and sexual exploitation. You will ensure that the voices, needs and rights of CYP are heard, understood and acted upon at every stage, and that they are safeguarded at all times. You will provide CYP with information, access to support services (e.g. sexual health), emotional and practical support (e.g. through the criminal justice system.)

You will report to the Head of ISVA Services and the key parts of the role are:

1. To provide high quality, victim/survivor-focused and pro-active advocacy support to CYP who have been subjected to sexual violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and/or sexual coercion.

2. To ensure that the voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements of CYP are heard, understood and acted upon by all individuals and organisations, at every point throughout the Criminal Justice Process.

3. To ensure that positive outcomes and differences for the CYP we support are met, working closely with our CYP ISVAs and the whole CYP team, including our CYP Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team. 

Job Purpose:

• To provide individual information, support and signposting for women, including young women supported by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse • To provide individual information, support and signposting for women working for Birmingham and Solihull Mental health Foundation Trust (BSMHT) disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse • To provide training and support to health professionals within BSMHT on understanding and responding to DVA

Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy and support service

• To provide support to women, experiencing DVA referred or signposted by trust colleagues. • To provide direct casework support, advice, information and advocacy to women experiencing DVA through telephone contact, and/or meetings at the department. • To work with women experiencing DVA to increase their personal safety (and that of any children) and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights • To be clear of Safeguarding principles, seeking guidance from the Trust Safeguarding Team where appropriate. • To develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies when needed. This will include referral to colleagues within BSWA, to other specialist DVA services or other external agencies when appropriate • To keep accurate records of all work done with or on behalf of clients and produce written reports as requested, including a monthly report of referrals and the take up of these referrals advocacy including outputs and patient outcomes • To contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Practice-based work

• To work alongside mental health colleagues to deliver training and awareness sessions to health care professionals about DVA within BSMHT • To promote awareness of the experiences and needs of women living with or escaping DVA, particularly in relation to their health • To develop a good relationship with all staff and work effectively as part of the departmental team. This includes: o provision of systematic support to teams in participating departments, including meeting with individuals and small groups of clinical and administrative staff o working closely with DVA champions in each department, where applicable o attending relevant meetings • To further develop effective assessment and monitoring procedures and ensure that clear accurate records are kept and maintained • To review number of advocate referrals made by clinicians in participating departments. 

Administration and Monitoring

• To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems • To keep accurate records of financial transitions in line with BSWA’s procedures • To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date • To monitor and evaluate the service, via various methods including feedback from service users • To contribute where appropriate to the preparation of returns for funders • To follow the host Trust’s policies and procedures

Communication:

• To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the staff, volunteers and service users by: o Maintaining BSWA and trust communication records o Following safety procedures o Attending team meetings • To attend in-house and Trust training • To attend support and supervision sessions, including case reviews and safeguarding, with your line manager • To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies • To be involved in the Annual Review process • To participate in multi agency work, including delivery of training and awareness sessions, as agreed with your line manager • To promote awareness of BSWA services and the impact of domestic violence on women and children

Training:

• To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager • To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users • To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager

General:

• To work within BSWA and Trust policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA. • To work within BSWA’s and BSMHT’s framework for equal opportunities and antidiscriminatory practice and offer an equal service to all women, children and young people regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation • To maintain the confidentiality of women and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisations. • To work within BSWA, Trust and local multi-agency adult and child safeguarding procedures. Where this may produce conflict immediately raise with line manager. (Worker will be trained to level 3 safeguarding) • To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level • To work within the principles and standards of Birmingham DV Standards and support Birmingham Domestic Abuse Strategy • To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times • To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post

IDVA; Romford; Domestic Violence

Your new company

Hays are recruiting for a leading charity who support people affected and survivors of domestic abuse in London.

Your new role

• The main purpose of the job is working within police station in Romford, with a view to improving their confidence, increasing their safety and reducing the risk of domestic homicide, honour-based violence, and harm from abuse. You will be supporting domestic abuse clients through the criminal justice system where appropriate and working with them to achieve safer outcomes.
• You will work in partnership with the hospital and other agencies to develop and deliver risk management plans to ensure victims' safety. You will be responsible for advocating on behalf of survivors of domestic abuse and managing and reviewing your cases.
• The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victim/survivors and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support and strong casework management skills.
• You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning.
• You will understand the legal system in how it relates to survivors of domestic abuse and have strong communication skills and the confidence and ability to present and educate service users and agency partners on the realities and impacts of domestic abuse in a variety of settings. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential.
• You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group, and an outstanding knowledge of supporting those experiencing domestic abuse, is essential including the MARAC process.

What you'll need to succeed

• You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group, and an outstanding knowledge of supporting those experiencing domestic abuse, is essential including the MARAC process.
• You will need to have proven knowledge of the criminal justice system and social care and understand how they relate to survivors of domestic abuse.
• Possess excellent communication, written and IT skills, the ability to engage with clients and liaise and deliver training and presentations to external agencies and stakeholders effectively.
• Experience or knowledge of working in a health based setting would be advantageous.
• To be successful in this role you will ideally hold a SafeLives (CAADA) accreditation.
• An enhanced criminal record check is required for this role.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive Salary
• Permanent Job
• Working for a leading charity.
• If you do not have the DV qualification this organisation will fund your Safer Lives qualification once passed probation period.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Fixed-Term until October 2021 – with potential extension (dependent on additional funding being secured).

The London Survivors Gateway (LSG) is an innovative project that is the first of its kind in London. It is a partnership of specialist sexual violence services in London comprising of the four Rape Crisis Centres, Galop, SurvivorsUK and The Havens that have come together to provide a unique single point of access into specialist sexual violence services.

The LSG is run by Navigators who support any survivor, aged 13 or above, to access long-term services including advice, advocacy, counselling and other services that they may require. It is a fast-paced role, providing timely and short-term interventions to address immediate needs whilst helping survivors to make decisions about the next steps in their healing journey.

Navigators work from a person centred, trauma informed and survivor led, integrated approach ensuring individualised care pathways that are rooted in empowerment and best practice. The work is delivered through a commitment to an anti-oppressive, feminist framework that strives to address additional barriers and meet the diverse range of survivors needs understanding the specific support needs of each survivor.

Navigators are supported by a team of experienced practitioners and receive an ongoing package of training and clinical supervision.

The successful candidate will provide holistic support that is innovative. They will have specialist knowledge in sexual violence as well as frontline experience supporting survivors. The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, strong IT skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, telephone focused role. If you have these skills, and want to join this unique and innovative project, we would love to hear from you.

WGN’s employee benefits include: 3% pension contribution, enhanced leave entitlement and an Employee Assistance Scheme.

This role will initially be on a remote-working basis, changing to office-based (in Hammersmith and Fulham) when circumstances allow.

This post is subject to satisfactory references, DBS check and evidence of right to work in the UK.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer. The above post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Administration: ➢ To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems ➢ To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users ➢ To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date ➢ To produce monthly reports for your line manager Page 2 of 3 ➢ To monitor and evaluate the MARAC IDVA and Drive Service, via various methods including feedback from service users and produce statistical information Communication: ➢ To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuges, staff, volunteers and service users by: a) Maintaining BSWA communication records b) Following safety procedures c) Attending team meetings d) Carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with your line manager ➢ To attend in-house training ➢ To identify and attend training and conferences relevant to the post, in agreement with your line manager ➢ To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager ➢ To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies ➢ Feedback relevant issues from external meetings/ training to the staff and management teams as appropriate ➢ To be involved in the Annual Review process General: ➢ To maintain the confidentiality of the women and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisation ➢ To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation ➢ To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA ➢ To work within BSWA and local multi-agency child and adult safeguarding procedures. ➢ To work within BSWA’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice ➢ To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise and commensurate with the post

About The Advocacy Project

We help marginalised and vulnerable people make effective choices about what happens in their lives. We also support them to speak up and help improve important services we all need. We want to make sure people across all age and care groups – including learning disability and mental health – can:

• voice their concerns

• understand their rights

• make effective choices about what happens in their lives

We do this through advocacy services which support people individually, and user involvement projects that help organisations improve the services they offer.

About the role

We’re searching for an exceptional Independent Mental Health Advocate (Forensic) to work in the high secure units at Broadmoor Hospital.  The role will have a strong appeal to advocates wishing to specialise in forensic contexts.

This role will provide independent advocacy for adults detained under forensic sections. You’ll also raise awareness of independent advocacy, including for people from minority ethnic communities. You’ll work as part of a team of independent advocates, reporting to the manager for the service.

Key responsibilities

• Provide a one-to-one advocacy service and undertake case work, writing accurate case notes and recording data on our system.

• Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy where appropriate.

• Give information, support and signposting to inform and empower people on any issues about their treatment under the relevant legislation.

• Meet case-working standards, monitoring system requirements and the goals for our service, making sure everyone needing advocacy is referred into the service in the right way.

• Work within the location-specific engagement protocols, security, confidentiality and safeguarding policies (in addition to the Advocacy Best Practice Handbook).

• Actively promote self-advocacy throughout all work with patients where practical.

• Raise awareness of independent advocacy amongst patients.

• Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.

• Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).

• Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.

• Be an active member of the mental health service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for colleagues when needed.

  General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and training.

• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.

• Contribute to monitoring reports.

• Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.

• Work to our mission, vision, and values.

• Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

Essential:

• At least two years experience of providing advocacy or supporting people with mental health conditions.

• Understanding of the issues faced by forensic service users with mental health conditions and issues relating to mental capacity.

• Sound knowledge of forensic mental health sections and services, including current issues in policy and practice; knowledge of health and social care practice and legislation.

• Experience of the principles and practice of advocacy and an understanding of different forms of advocacy.

• Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.

• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.

• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.

• Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

  Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience of advocacy under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act (IMCA) and DOLS.

• IMHA qualification (or be studying for an IMHA qualification and committed to completing this within 6 months).

• Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

How to apply

Send your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you think you’re the person we’re looking for and how your experience meets the person specification.

Upload your application via our website.

Remember to get it to us by the deadline listed on page 1.

The East European Resource Centre (EERC) is seeking two Welfare Advisers to join our fantastic team – one Romanian-speaking and one Polish-speaking. 

The roles will be part time and for a fixed term – four days per week until 31 January 2021.

This Welfare Advisers will provide crucial support to users in understanding their rights and accessing their entitlements. The main duties will be:

• Outreach and information to Eastern Europeans in the UK
• Advice and casework around welfare benefits and housing applications
• Peer review of colleagues’ casework

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in assessing and supporting users to apply for welfare benefits. Though not essential, experience working with vulnerable users would be useful. 

Please note: this post-holder will liaise with users who are unlikely to speak good or any English, might struggle with literacy, and have experienced disadvantage and trauma. Therefore, we request a fluent or very good Romanian- or Polish-speaker for this role.

Deadline: 9am on Monday 10 August 2020

How to apply: Please complete an application form and email to EERC as per instructions in job pack. Please note CVs will not be accepted. 

he Women’s Support Centre (WSC) was established in 2008 by Women in Prison (WIP) with the support of Woking Borough Council. The WSC is based in Woking and provides support to women throughout Surrey who are in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system. High quality, innovative services are delivered including 1:1 support and advocacy, group work, counselling, specialist substance misuse, domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation services. The WSC works in partnership with a number of agencies including all Surrey local authorities, the Police, the National Health Service and the National Probation Service.

We are currently looking for a Specialist Domestic Violence Advocate to provide in-depth, trauma informed support to a caseload of women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with, the criminal justice system.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and women who have personal experience of the criminal justice system. The role is only open to women, in accordance with the sex-based exemptions of the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.

Purpose of role
The main duties of this role relate to paid Relevant Persons Representative (RPR) but there is also a requirement to be involved in other strands of advocacy as and when required. This activity will include working with people of all ages, including those with learning disabilities, people with mental health needs, people with physical and sensory impairment, older people and people that lack capacity.

Key tasks

• To provide Independent Advocacy support as defined under the Mental Health Act (2007), Mental Capacity Act (2005), Care Act (2014), and Advocacy Standards to individuals in community, residential and hospital settings.
• To manage a client caseload and ensure accurate case management and record keeping.
• To provide information, support or signpost clients, to inform or empower individuals on any issues regarding their health and care. Including mental health treatment under the amended 2007 Mental Health Act, deprivation of liberty safeguards under Mental Capacity Act and support with safeguarding under Care Act (2014).
• To advocate for individuals within a variety of meetings relating to their care and treatment, to include ward rounds, case conferences, Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings, mental health assessments, best interests meetings and safeguarding meetings.
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant mental capacity, mental health and community care policy, legislation, case law, and good practice.
• To work within the appropriate legislation, as well as agreed case-working standards and monitoring requirements

Please see attached the full Job Description Application Form and Diversity Monitoring Form 

Main purpose of job:  To lead CARA’s ISVA and Advocacy Team and manage the provision of ISVA and Advocacy services to clients of all ages and all genders.  The post holder will also hold a caseload of clients.

Start date:   As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:  £32,029 - £33,799 (NJC scale 29 - 31), per annum pro rata, pay rise expected.

Hours: 28-35 hours per week (exact hours to be agreed).

Place of work:To work flexibly across mid and north Essex.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criterion, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  12pm on Wednesday 19th August

Interviews:  Thursday 10th September

Start date: As soon as possible, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.  

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.

During the COVID-19 crisis, CARA has continued to provide a range of remote services.  From early June, we have gradually started to offer limited face-to-face support.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with South Essex-based SERICC and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

Job Description

The role involves leading CARA’s ISVA and Advocacy Team and managing the provision of ISVA and Advocacy services for clients of all ages and all genders.  The post holder will also hold a caseload of clients.

This is a new and exciting post, giving the post holder significant opportunity to develop CARA’s ISVA and advocacy work and lead a talented and committed team of ISVAs and advocates. As well as overseeing day-to-day operations of the team, the post holder will be part of CARA’s management team and will have the opportunity to play a key role in CARA’s wider development, working closely with the Director and Manager.  The post holder will also work closely with teams at our sister centres, SERICC and SOS Rape Crisis to ensure the coordination of ISVA and advocacy services across Essex.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• To manage all operational aspects of CARA’s ISVA and Advocacy Team. This may also include managing any new ISVA and Advocacy projects that CARA develops.
• To work in accordance with CARA’s policies and procedures and embed a feminist approach in CARA activities.
• To review, develop and coordinate effective processes within the ISVA and Advocacy Team, working closely with the manager. 
• To line manage a team of ISVAs and our Advocacy Co-ordinator, providing day-to-day support, monitoring performance and identifying training and development needs. This will include keeping up to date notes of line management meetings and conducting and recording annual staff appraisals.
• To support ISVAs and our Advocacy Co-ordinator in maintaining up-to-date client records and ensure that gaps in data are addressed, as required.
• To lead regular ISVA and Advocacy Team meetings, producing notes to share with the team and senior management.
• To work with CARA’s manager to recruit and train new staff and volunteers, as required.
• To maintain an overview of the waiting lists for our ISVA and Advocacy Team, working closely with the Information and Referrals Co-ordinator and First Contact Navigators to manage service demand and keep waiting times to a minimum.
• To keep up to date with relevant legislation, policy and practice issues, including CPS guidance and ensure the ISVA and Advocacy team is aware of changes.
• To liaise with CARA’s other teams and more widely with Synergy Essex teams, resolving problems and ensuring good communication and mutual understanding of respective roles and ways of operating.
• To liaise with external agencies, including police, mental health and social care, ensuring CARA is represented at meetings as required and developing effective relationships to ensure our services co-ordinate with statutory and voluntary services.
• To be part of the CARA management team and attend regular management team meetings, contributing to CARA’s ongoing development.

Client support

• To oversee client work within the ISVA and Advocacy Practice, working closely with team members to resolve client issues and ensure consistent, high quality service provision.
• To undertake client assessments and make appropriate arrangements for client support.
• To provide ISVA and advocacy support for clients of all genders, holding a caseload of clients.
• To keep client records up to date.
• To work flexibly across mid and north Essex.

General

• To work flexible hours, including some evening work and occasional weekends.
• To participate in CARA team meetings, supervision, training and development. 
• To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.
• To raise awareness of sexual violence and its impact in the community and within other agencies.
• To keep appropriate records in accordance with CARA policies and procedures.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To report to the Manager, Director and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports and verbal reports.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Manager, Director or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Job Purpose:

• To plan and implement high quality support and advocacy services for women affected by domestic violence who are deemed as being high risk and/or whose abusers are involved with the Drive perpetrator project. • To work within a multi-agency framework to ensure the safety of women is prioritised.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support work:

➢ To recognise women and children’s individual needs, providing a short to medium term service to meet those needs ➢ To support the empowerment of the service user and facilitate their understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence ➢ To carry out risk assessment and safety planning with women ➢ To promote women’s safety within multi-agency arenas such as MARAC and Drive meetings ➢ To work with women to access services to help keep them and their children safe ➢ To facilitate access to BSWA and its services ➢ To devise and implement appropriate and safe methodsof communication with women and children, in agreement with your line manager

Development

➢ To keep up to date with current legislative changes for dissemination within staff team, and for use when working with women and children around their rights. ➢ To identify and make links with existing projects and community services and to develop joint services where appropriate ➢ To keep abreast of issues regarding domestic violence on a national and local level with particular reference to those that may affect the work of the service ➢ To promote awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and BSWA services ➢ To participate in multi agency work as agreed with your line manager

Administration:

➢ To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems ➢ To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users ➢ To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date ➢ To produce monthly reports for your line manager Page 2 of 3 ➢ To monitor and evaluate the MARAC IDVA and Drive Service, via various methods including feedback from service users and produce statistical information 

Communication:

➢ To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuges, staff, volunteers and service users by: a) Maintaining BSWA communication records b) Following safety procedures c) Attending team meetings d) Carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with your line manager ➢ To attend in-house training ➢ To identify and attend training and conferences relevant to the post, in agreement with your line manager ➢ To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager ➢ To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies ➢ Feedback relevant issues from external meetings/ training to the staff and management teams as appropriate ➢ To be involved in the Annual Review process

General:

➢ To maintain the confidentiality of the women and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisation ➢ To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation ➢ To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA ➢ To work within BSWA and local multi-agency child and adult safeguarding procedures. ➢ To work within BSWA’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice ➢ To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise and commensurate with the post