Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA)

Main Purpose of the Post:

     Provide advocacy, support, impartial advice, and information to survivors of all ages who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. This includes support within the Criminal Justice System (CJS), as well as delivering informed choices sessions to help survivors decide whether they wish to engage with the CJS process.

Key information:

·       We require the post holder to be female under Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010).

·       The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

·       The post involves flexible working hours including responding to crises in order to meet the needs of the service as and when required.

·       The post is part of a countywide ISVA service covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.       For all survivors accessing the service

·       Undertake needs-led assessments and develop individual support plans.

·       Support survivors to access services to which they are entitled.

·       Provide support (non-therapeutic) to survivors.

·       Provide information on criminal, legal, and civil remedies where appropriate.

·       Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

·       Where relevant, liaise with other agencies who are supporting the client.

·       Assist survivors who decide to report by facilitating the reporting of the offence.

2.       For survivors reporting to the Police

·       Support survivors through the criminal justice system explaining the procedures, the ISVA role, and the client’s rights within the system.

·       Liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of survivors and/or with survivors.

·       Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS, and prosecuting barrister.

·       Support and advocate for clients to access special measures.

·       Where appropriate, support survivors to provide a victim impact statement during the trial phase.

3.       Quality Assurance

·       Maintain confidential client records, sharing and managing information in accordance with PRCCG Policies and Procedures.

·       Develop and maintain effective working relationships with agencies supporting survivors.

·       Ensure survivors receive the best possible standard of support in line with Rape Crisis National Service Standards.

·       Attend and participate in regular Team Meetings, Peer Review Meetings, Reflective Practice and Clinical Supervision.

4.       General

·       Manage a caseload while taking responsibility for scheduling time off to ensure a healthy work/life balance.

·       Work flexible hours where required and dependent on the needs of PRCCG and its service users.

·       Participate in PRCCG training and development opportunities.

·       Support the monitoring and evaluation of PRCCG services.

·       Support the running of other PRCCG services where required.

Flexibility Statement

The content of this Role Profile represents an outline of the post only and is therefore not a precise catalogue of duties and responsibilities. This document is therefore intended to be flexible and is subject to review and amendment in the light of changing circumstances and following consultation with the post holder.