Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Main Purpose of the Role:

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. 

ISVA Main Duties

·      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.

·      Manage a caseload of approximately 14 active cases.

·      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.

 

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

·      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.