Victim Support are looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our Cumbria team. The role will be based in our Carlisle office with regular travel across North Cumbria.

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Do you have the right attitude, empathy and skills to support victims and survivors of sexual violence?

The main purpose of a Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) is to provide high quality pro-active service to victims of sexual violence and abuse (including children and young people), and deliver a service to those at highest risk and need. You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the Bridgeway SARC and other local partnership responses to sexual violence. You will work with survivors and other agencies to monitor the care pathway. This involves risk assessment, helping clients access their rights, along with any other services they require.

More than anything the right attitude and a willingness to learn are key to becoming an ISVA. Experience of working with victims of sexual violence and other service providers and agencies in a statutory, voluntary, social or community setting would be an advantage although we would be keen to hear from you if you can demonstrate how your skills and experience can be applied to this role.

You must have extensive experience of planning and delivering caseloads, with strong crisis management skills and an understanding of the needs of victims experiencing sexual violence. An approved and accredited ISVA qualification is preferable for this post although candidates with the right approach and a willingness work towards ISVA accreditation will also be considered.

You will be required to attend relevant meetings and will provide regular reports to your line manager. You will also undertake talks and presentations to local groups and agencies on the work of Victim Support, developing networks and partnerships and increasing the role of the service in the community.

To be successful in this role you should have good IT skills, knowledge of criminal justice issues and an understanding of the effects a court appearance can have on victims and witnesses of crime are also essential.

VS are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required.

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as . In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

If the vacancy has not specified the essential criteria for shortlisting, please use this section to express how your experience and skills are relevant for the role.

If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you.

Victim Support is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all communities and monitor the diversity of applicants to analyse if we are representative of the communities we serve in terms of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, age and socio-economic status. As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we would particularly welcome applicants from BAME communities.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Salary: £25,955 per annum

Location: Waltham Forest

Contract Type: Permanent 

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. 

Responsibilities

This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. As a Refuge Worker, you will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

You will ensure the smooth running of the refuge, including the admission of survivors of domestic violence to the refuge. You will also assess and advise on their entitlement to welfare and housing benefits and housing management. You will develop support plans for each resident and aid them to obtain permanent accommodation.

Essential Skills or Experience

The successful candidate will have evidence of strong casework management skills, good written and verbal communication, and an understanding of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. You will be required to bring safeguarding children or vulnerable adults to the immediate attention of the service manager, or if unavailable another manager. Direct experience of providing support to women is essential as is a current understanding of legislation relating to domestic violence including civil/criminal legislation and welfare rights. The ability to work as part of an on-call rota is essential and occasional evening work in emergency situations.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Benefits

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; clinical supervison for all front line staff a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Other information

Closing Date: 09:00am Monday the 4th October 2021.

Interview Date: Tuesday 12th October 2021.

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Join a growing supported accommodation provider set up against the backdrop of the housing crisis and with an aim of providing a best in class service for its clients who are predominantly single homeless adults.

Candidates with managerial experience would be ideal but not essential. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a difference, has pride in their work and who would relish the chance to grow with our organisation.

Our organisation provides supported accommodation to homeless vulnerable adults with identified low to medium level support needs ranging from mental health needs, medical conditions, financial difficulties, general emotional support amongst others.

The main role of a support worker will be to support their clients according to their assessed needs and to help individuals develop their own skills to ultimately allow them to live independent lives. Each client’s general well-being will be the responsibility of their support worker who will be required to hold weekly key work sessions, workshops and general ad hoc support that may be needed. Referrals to external service providers of specialist support such as drug and alcohol services amongst others and checking in on client’s progress with said services will also be a key part of the support service.  

Additional tasks outside of the focused support may include house and room inspections and general welfare checks as well as other roles which complement the core support of the clients.

Skills and experience required:

• Has knowledge or experience in the social care sector
• Is passionate about helping others
• Has confident and effective communication skills
• Is comfortable lone working & holding one-to-one key work sessions
• Is capable of using basic IT systems and is willing to learn new support software
• Is willing to travel to different locations in London to provide support
• Is organised and able to maintain a detailed a coherent trail of reporting, keeping records and updating information on the relevant platforms
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity as well as confidentiality
• Own transport car/cycle
• Has a UK driving licence and is willing to drive to client meetings, (mileage will be paid).

Employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check and successfully completing a 2-week induction.

PACT is one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and has been at the forefront of adoption services for over 60 years.

We are currently looking for Independent Social Workers based in Kent and surrounding areas to undertake initial interviews and / or adoption assessments. 

You must be SWE registered and have at least three years’ post qualifying experience, preferably in adoption or fostering, and have solid assessment skills. 

Caseloads are flexible and can be arranged to fit around other commitments.  We can offer a competitive rate for each assignment.

For further details, please visit our website.

We look forward to hearing from you!

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, and where applicable, overseas checks.  Please note prospective contractors will need to evidence they have the relevant permission to work in the UK.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds.  We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities.  We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.

No agencies please.

Job Details

• Independent Advocate, 35 hours per week, £21,589 per annum
• Permanent (subject to funding)     

Job Summary 

Gaddum Advocacy provides all statutory advocacy services across Manchester and we are looking for an energetic and passionate advocate to join our team.

Our Advocates work in partnership with the people they support to represent their views and wishes and uphold their rights. Gaddum Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice. 

Job Purpose  

• To provide Independent Advocacy for eligible individuals under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and NHS regulations as necessary.
• To provide Independent Advocacy in a range of settings including mental health wards and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, supported accommodation, care homes and private residences. 
• To promote social inclusion, equality and social justice through advocacy. 

Applications for Flexible/Job Sharing work will be taken into consideration.

Closing Date: Noon Monday 4th October

Interview Date: w/c Monday 18th October (subject to change).

Assert is a small team of advocates working as a project within Mental Health Resource charity and as part of the Kent Advocacy partnership. We provide high quality, issue-based advocacy and statutory IMHA services to individuals affected by mental health problems, often detained in medium and low secure units and in acute inpatient settings. We also offer community advocacy in West Kent. This can be a tough job, but in return you will receive competitive pay, training, benefits and have the support of a strong team. You will have the opportunity to expand on your existing skills and attributes required for the role. Training will be provided if you are not yet qualified as an IMHA.

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and show confidence and assertiveness when required. You will understand the diverse needs of people affected by mental health problems and how these differ for those detained in inpatient settings from those requiring support in the community. You will need to be resilient, comfortable working within professional boundaries and have the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments. In addition, you will have strong organisational skills and be able to work on your own initiative, as well as within a team.

You will have a natural confident and calm manner and key skills of resilience, professionalism, honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for confidentiality.

You will be passionate about mental health advocacy. Ideally, you will have experience of working as an advocate, and if you are not qualified as an IMHA, you must be prepared to undertake training. The IMHA training could take approx. 1 year. *

A willingness to work within a diverse range of environments is essential as is the ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The job will require some community advocacy, but will mostly work within acute wards, medium and low secure forensic units, and locked rehabilitation units across West Kent. A current driving licence and access to transport is essential.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, client work will be delivered remotely via telephone or video conferencing.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the role.

For further information please read the job description and person specification.

We want to hear from all intersted candidates. If you wish to be considered please submit a detailed covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification and why you're right for the role, along with your CV to the Office Manager, Mrs Leigh Attwood. In your letter please state whether you are interested in the full-time or part-time role. You're one click away from applying...... 

Please note we will only accept applications where a covering letter is included. 

Closing date: Monday 18th October 2021, at 12 noon

Expected interview date:  Tues 2nd or Weds 3rd November 2021

Mental Health Resource is committed to equal opportunities and promoting diversity, and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

* In line with our organisational policy, if you leave within a certain timeframe you may be asked to repay the cost of the training

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 methods of 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 clear and accurate 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

Ø  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 project, staff, volunteers and service users by:

1. Maintaining BSWA communication records
2. Following safety procedures
3. Attending team meetings
4. 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

Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate

Location: Lewisham, London

Salary: £27,948

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

You will provide high quality independent advocacy and support to the highest risk survivors of gender based violence and their children. This will involve establishing and prioritising the risks to and the needs of survivors of gender based violence and developing and delivering individual support and risk management plans in partnership with other agencies who attend the MARAC. You will advocate both verbally and in writing in a range of settings including civil and criminal proceedings and with criminal justice professionals.

With significant proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of gender based violence, you will be experienced in identifying and responding to the risks to and needs of survivors. With an ability to work in crisis or under pressure, you will have an up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil legislation relating to gender-based violence. You will understand multi-agency partnership structures including the MARAC and have an ability to advocate on a client’s behalf in a range of settings. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills to write reports, deliver presentations and to communicate to stakeholders in a clear and effective way.

This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. Occasional evening work may be required.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

Closing Date: 04 October 2021 at 9:00am 

Interview Date: 08 October 2021

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support Work:

• To recognise women and children’s individual needs, providing a support service to meet those needs, advocating on their behalf where appropriate
• To support the empowerment of the service user and facilitate their understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence
• To carry out and regularly review risk assessments and safety planning with women, keeping them informed about developments in legal proceedings as they arise.
• To provide a duty service at Birmingham’s specialist domestic violence courts
• To work with women to access services to help keep them and their children safe
• To devise and implement appropriate and safe methods of communication with women and children, in agreement with your line manager

Development:

Ø  To work with the staff team to identify and develop support strategies to meet the needs of women and children seeking support.

• To work in partnership with the project’s steering group.
• To work with line manager to develop operational protocols to define partnership arrangements and the referral process.
• To identify and build up links with referral agencies such as Police, Witness Care and other partners.
• To keep abreast of issues regarding domestic violence on a national and local level,  including legislative changes, with particular reference to those that may affect the work of the project.
• To participate in multi agency work as agreed with your line manager.
• To explore the development of volunteering opportunities within the Project.
• To promote awareness of BSWA services and the impact of domestic violence on women and children.

Administration:

• To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems
• To ensure that clear and accurate records are kept for all service users
• To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date

Ø  To monitor and evaluate the Court work project, via various methods including feedback from service users, evaluation and 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 services, staff, volunteers and service users by:

1. Maintaining BSWA communication records
2. Following safety procedures
3. Attending team meetings
4. Carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with your line manager.

• To attend in-house training.
• To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager.
• To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies.
• To feedback relevant issues from external meetings/ training to the staff and management teams as appropriate.
• To be involved in the Annual Review process.
• To promote awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and BSWA services to external agencies linked with the Court project.

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

We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, who has supported survivors with varying experiences and needs. You will be supported by our Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Manager and receive training and an induction into both the hospital work and Rising Sun’s wider services. If unqualified, we will support you to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification on passing your probation.

The Hospital IDVA (HIDVA) will be part of our dynamic, responsive and highly regarded HIDVA team, providing crisis intervention, advocacy and support to survivors in hospitals, both patients and staff.

Survivors are often in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, such as physical assault, drug/alcohol medical need, attempted suicide or self-harm and the HIDVA will work with hospital staff to provide high quality support focussing on a strengths based, needs led approach. The HIDVA will offer initial advice and crisis safety planning to the survivor, carry out assessments of needs and risks. They will also advise on criminal justice, civil remedies, housing and any other relevant matters.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 35 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Be present in the hospitals to respond to referrals or requests for domestic abuse advice and to meet with survivors. 
• Ensure that survivors are aware of their rights and options and explain the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available to them.
• Produce safety plans with the client, enabling them to assess and manage their own safety.
• Carry out needs and risk assessments, including DASH, to effectively establish client needs and enable support to be offered as quickly as possible.
• Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, benefits agencies, housing departments, education, medical treatment, counselling, support networks, community groups, employment support etc.
• Work in partnership with other agencies and services e.g. the police, housing etc. to advocate for survivors and complete referrals to ongoing support services where appropriate.
• Attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and refer service users to MARAC when appropriate.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of survivors who face particular barriers when seeking access to services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics. 
• Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within safeguarding policies, Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk.
• Maintain accurate client records, outcome and monitoring data. Prepare information or reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
• Participate in an out of hours rota, providing a HIDVA service in the hospital on Friday evenings and weekend days as timetabled.

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the HIDVA service in the hospitals and build positive relationships with hospital staff, in particular safeguarding teams and clinicians.
• Attend safeguarding, doctor and nurse handover meetings to screen patients for potential domestic abuse.
• Deliver training to hospital staff to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriate responding.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times, represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
•  Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) 

Salary: £27,948 Per annum

Location: Barking and Dagenham

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. 

Responsibilities

You will provide high quality independent advocacy and support to the highest risk survivors of gender based violence and their children. This will involve establishing and prioritising the risks to and the needs of survivors of gender based violence and developing and delivering individual support and risk management plans in partnership with other agencies who attend the MARAC. You will advocate both verbally and in writing in a range of settings including civil and criminal proceedings and with criminal justice professionals.

Essential Skills or Experience

With significant proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of gender based violence, you will be experienced in identifying and responding to the risks to and needs of survivors. With an ability to work in crisis or under pressure, you will have an up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil legislation relating to gender-based violence. You will understand multi-agency partnership structures including the MARAC and have an ability to advocate on a client’s behalf in a range of settings. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills to write reports, deliver presentations and to communicate to stakeholders in a clear and effective way.

This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. Occasional evening work may be required.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Benefits

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; clinical supervison for all front line staff a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

Other information

Closing Date: 29 September 2021 at 9:00am 

Interview Date: 06 October 2021

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Location: Office base Islington travel, will be required across London.

Salary:
Qualified applicants (with an accredited VAWG /ISVA qualification) dependent on experience:  27k-29k per annum. 
Unqualified applicants, dependent on experience: £26k-£27k per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: permanent 
Vacancy Reference: SWA3171

Closing Date: 11TH October 2021
Interview Date: Week Commencing 18th October 2021

Solace Women’s Aid is an innovative, exciting, grassroots charity working across London. Our purpose is to bring to end the harm done through domestic and sexual violence to all survivors, and in particular women and children. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

About the Service

North London Rape Crisis offers range of services to women age 13 + who are experiencing or have experienced any form of sexual violence in their lives. We offer a safe and non-judgmental space to women living, working or studying across London boroughs of Westminster & Kensington and Chelsea.
Our expert team provides helpline support, advocacy (ISVA) support including specialised ISVA for women with complex needs. We also provide one to one and group counselling to survivors as well as short term one to one counselling support to survivor’s family and friends. It is an inclusive service and support all ages, disabilities, sexualities, gender identities including non-binary, ethnicities and religions. 
The service will be open 9.00am to 5.00 pm however, appointments can be arranged outside of these if required.   

About the Role

The role of Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) is with the Rape Crisis service in North London. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide a pro-active crisis intervention and ongoing support service to women survivors of sexual violence including recent and non-recent rape and within and outside of the criminal justice system. 
Preference will be given to an accredited Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA)

About You

The ideal candidate will have completed ISVA training and have experience of supporting women affected by sexual violence. You will have a clear understanding of the effects of and issues facing women who have experienced sexual violence, as well as understanding of the Criminal Justice System. You will be able to communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and create good working relationship with service users as well as partner agencies. 

In return, we offer great employee benefits including three per cent employer pension contribution, generous holiday entitlement and a focus on learning and development.

Rape Crisis South London are recruiting for

SENIOR INDEPENDENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE ADVOCATES (ISVAs)

RASASC was set up in 1985. We are a feminist, independent organisation based in Croydon providing specialist and confidential support services to female survivors of sexual violence from age 5 who live in any borough in South London. Our ethos is to offer survivors a specialist service dedicated to the healing and empowerment of survivors of sexual violence in an environment of empowerment, trust, and compassion.

Our team of Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVA) offer support to women and girls aged 13 and over who have survived rape and childhood sexual abuse in South London and who are thinking about reporting to the police, or who have reported, throughout their journey in the criminal justice system. Your role is to provide a mix of emotional, practical, and factual support so survivors have all the information they need to make informed decisions that are right for them. You will understand the barriers survivors face when accessing the criminal justice system and work closely together to advocate for their needs within the system.

Our department is entering an exciting time of change and growth. Our Senior ISVAs will hold a reduced caseload of clients and support them through their journey with the criminal justice system. You will provide case and line management to our full-time ISVAs and support the ISVA Manager in the running of the service. We are looking for amazing frontline workers who are looking for an opportunity to learn and develop their management practice, while continuing to provide high-quality support to survivors of sexual violence.

The women we are looking for should have demonstrable experience working with survivors of sexual violence and of working in a trauma-informed way. You should have a commitment to reflection and development, alongside a desire to develop your practice and support a busy and dynamic team and service. We will provide clinical supervision, full training and line management, and the opportunity to develop your skillset and any specialism you can bring to this role and your work.

We are committed to being representative of our society and bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences to shape what we do and how we work. Our ISVA service is a growing team, and we are really keen to hear from people who can help us shape our direction together as we move forward.

The post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

We are looking for a creative and proactive individual who has experience of supporting high-risk survivors of domestic abuse. Working with survivors of domestic abuse as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) you will play a crucial role in advocacy, risk assessment and risk management, safety planning and empowerment.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 35 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

JOB PURPOSE

• To provide practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse, including crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning.
• To develop individual support plans, which address the risk of harm and offer information, advocacy, advice and signposting to survivors, underpinned by individual risk and need.
• To empower survivors, thereby increasing self- esteem, reducing isolation and helping survivors to keep safe.
• To provide survivors with information relating to their rights and ensuring survivors are empowered to make decisions based on their options.
• To work in collaboration with partner agencies and survivors and attend MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference)

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality case work support and information to victims/survivors who have experienced domestic and/ or sexual violence who are considered high risk
• Support those who are experiencing domestic and sexual abuse to access services to keep themselves (and their children) safe
• Identify and assess the needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist while taking a trauma informed approach
• Provide 1:1 casework support to women within the Ashford, Canterbury and Folkestone and Hythe districts, either over the phone, in community venues or at Rising Sun officesManage a caseload in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and adhere to confidentiality
• Maintain up to date and accurate records
• Attend case review meetings and work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and building positive working-relationships with team members
• Attend regular supervision and appraisals with line-manager
• Hold weekly information and advice drop in sessions and facilitate relevant programmes when required i.e. Phoenix Programme
• Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:
  • Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them.
  • Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to survivors including in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance. 
  • Effective partnership working with all key agency partners (including housing and other specialist services, such as drug and alcohol support) to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference).

• Identify training opportunities and feed in to this where appropriate
• Work with volunteers (where appropriate) to enhance the capacity of the service
• Attend wider team meetings to share learning and feed into organisational developments
• Ensure that the service user is at the heart of all service delivery by encouraging participation in service development and reporting on their recommendations and complaints
• Be willing and available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support wider team activities such as representing Rising Sun at events (time off in lieu can be taken)
• Ensure publicity materials are effectively distributed as well as contributing to the development of literature