Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male

Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male

Salary: £24,956 per annum (pro-rata) rising to £25,350 per annum upon successful completion of probation and £26,925 per annum after accreditation.

Hours: 30 hours per week

Holiday: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service per annum plus bank holidays

Base: Second Floor, 9 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, GLOUCESTER, GL1 3ND

Area Covered: Gloucestershire

Contract: Permanent

Only male applicants are considered. This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as the role provides specialist advocacy and crisis intervention in a multi agency setting to male survivors of sexual violence, including men and boys and those who identify as LGBTQ+. We welcome applications from cis men, trans men, and non binary people who identify as male.

The post holder will:

• deliver gender responsive, trauma informed advocacy, supporting male survivors from first disclosure through recovery, and where chosen, through the criminal justice system from report to court;
• work pro actively to risk assess and support client needs and develop a comprehensive support plan to keep victims safe;
• manage a specialist caseload, demonstrating an understanding of male specific barriers to disclosure, safeguarding procedures, and the impact of trauma on men affected by sexual violence;
• operate an assertive, client led outreach service, meeting clients where they feel most comfortable and safe in accordance with service policies and risk assessments;
• support survivors through reporting, investigation, prosecution, court processes and post court recovery where appropriate;
• work assertively and flexibly, including outreach delivery in locations where survivors feel safe and comfortable;
• build trusted relationships with statutory and voluntary partners to improve pathways and frontline responsiveness for male victims;
• champion equity of access and inclusion, particularly for men who identify as LGBTQ+ or who face additional barriers to engagement;
• be highly motivated, flexible and able to work unsupervised on a day to day basis;
• work autonomously while remaining closely connected to the wider ISVA team and organisational values of First Light.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims, family members and wider society informs all work with victims and partner agencies;
• Prioritise the safety, security and dignity of service users and colleagues in all interventions;
• Operate an assertive, client led outreach service in locations where clients feel most comfortable and safe;
• Support clients through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the procedures and their role and rights, and act as a first point of contact to relevant Criminal Justice agencies;
• Liaise with Police and CPS on behalf of clients, with client consent and under confidentiality policy, keeping victims informed about case progress in line with the Victims Code of Practice.

Essential requirements:

• Evidence of IT and computer literacy skills;
• Full driving licence;
• Experience working with vulnerable people and/or crisis work;
• Undertaking risk assessments;
• Experience in criminal/civil justice and/or health & social care systems;
• Ability to build rapport and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, professionals and stakeholders;
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately;
• Managing a caseload;
• Working alone in an office and independently in the community.

Added benefits:

• A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for better work life balance;
• A wellbeing day per financial year (1st April to 31st March);
• Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases, to ensure emotional and psychological wellbeing;
• Health and wellbeing resources including the staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee and an employee engagement platform;
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support;
• Working for an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, encouraging applications from all sections of the community;
• Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.

All candidates will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check and a social media check. Conditions of employment include satisfactory completion of these checks and satisfactory employment references.