ISVA's work closely with but independently from the Police, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Witness Care, other voluntary sector organisations etc. You will have experience and understanding of the traumatic effects and impacts of sexual violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual coercion and knowledge of criminal justice processes.
Description / Contract
12 months contract. The contract could be extended however, this depends on RSVP securing future funding for the role.
Purpose of the post:
To provide a high quality and victim/survivor-focused advocacy service to adults of any gender who have been subjected to sexual violence or sexual abuse in order to:
· Give emotional and practical support, at each stage of the victim/survivor journey
· Pro-actively and assertively advocate for those who have reported to the Police, are thinking of doing so or choose not to report
· Ensure that the voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements of survivors are heard, understood and acted upon by all individuals and organisations including the police and at all points throughout the Criminal Justice Process.
· Follow safeguarding assess and reduce risk to keep the survivor (and others) safe
· Ensure that victims/survivors can access the health and other support services that they need.
· Support the work of the Adult ISVA Team, and the wider ISVA Team (Children & Young People’s, LGBT and Sex Worker ISVAs) which may include working within Umbrella sexual health settings and other appropriate services as required.
· Work closely with our Counselling and Wellbeing Services Teams.
For all Adult clients
You will:
· Make contact with adults referred to the Adult-ISVA service within 24 hours where possible, in order to offer support. (NB. For referrals made at weekends and out of hours this extends to 48 hours.)
· Undertake safeguarding checks, risk assessment and support needs plan with the client.
· Consider child and adult safeguarding issues when engaging with clients and follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures.
· Support adult survivors to make informed choices about their future options
· Develop individual service plan to address risks/support needs of adult survivors.
· Help adult survivors to access services they need, and to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up referral systems to health, sexual health testing and treatment, mental health and local counselling services etc.
· Provide face to face, telephone, text and email based support to adult survivors, their families and wider supporters.
· Help adult survivors develop a support network.
· Explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options.
· Where relevant and with client's consent and within data sharing protocols, keep other agencies informed about changes in their situation.
· Offer a client led and blended approach to provide support, which may include online, email, text, as well as telephone and face to face support.
For Adults Going Through Criminal Justice Processes
You will:
· Support adults through reporting and at each stage of the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their legal entitlements and rights within the system.
· Support adults in giving their witness statement and during the trial phase, in conjunction with Witness Services.
· Make urgent contact with adults thinking of reporting to the police or SARC, so that if there is a need for forensic examination or support, all relevant early evidence can be captured.
· Provide information on Criminal Injuries Compensation
· Liaise with the police, CPS, Social Services, employers, and other agencies on behalf of adult survivors, with the adult’s consent and adhering to confidentiality and data sharing policies and procedures.
· Keep the adult and their families and wider supporters informed about the progress of their case, in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
· If the assault was DV related and the adult survivor is assessed as high risk, refer on to MARAC and an IDVA following locally agreed protocol. Attend and participate in meetings where required and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.
· Raise with police, and/or local child and/or adult services, any risks or safeguarding concerns around a vulnerable child or adult at risk of any form of abuse.
· To participate in case conferences with the police, CPS, Social Workers and prosecuting barrister etc.
· To understand and communicate the needs of each adult survivor in relation to special measures, to ensure that they can access the support they require.
General:
· Maintain confidentiality at all times.
· Manage a caseload.
· Maintain and monitor confidential notes and records.
· Act as a chaperone, going with adult survivors, to provide support and ensure that their voices are heard when they:
o Give a statement to the police
o Have evidence gathered by the police/SARC
o Attend sexual health clinics for testing or treatment
o Visit Court prior to a trial for familiarisation
o Give their evidence in court, providing emotional support during this stressful time
· Follow procedures, policies and protocols with other services so that the safety of the adult survivor is kept central at all times.
· Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties adult survivors are having accessing their service.
· Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary.
· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, court services, employers, colleges, mental health and sexual health services, Victim Support, Witness Service, voluntary sector organisations.
· To participate in team meetings.
· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.
· To have a clear understanding of the:
o Myths and facts of sexual violence and abuse,
o Coping strategies and impacts of sexual violence and abuse
o Long term emotional, and physical health effects of sexual violence and abuse
o Risks that adults and CYP are exposed to.
· To be aware of how to access resources available, regarding interpreters, signers, etc.
· To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of RSVP Adult-ISVA service.
· To be familiar with all aspects of the work of RSVP and Umbrella sexual health Services.
· Work flexibly as a member of the team and be responsive to changing needs.
· Be willing to undertake relevant training as required.
· Work within the policies and procedures of RSVP and demonstrate a commitment to their values, principles and ethos.
· Undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post holder.
Pay: £20,249.00-£21,283.00 per year
Work Location: In person
