We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity available for a Permanent Female* Children and Young Persons Sexual Violence Advisor (CYPSVA) to join our team based in Bristol. You will join us on a full‐time, Permanent Contract working 37.5 hours each week 8.30 – 4.30 & 9.30 – 5.30 also including a Saturday morning on a rota basis (around 1 in 12) and the expectation to work until 8pm if and when needed); you will provide support and advocacy to victims who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Travel across Avon and Somerset will be required so Driving Licence essential. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 16 £29,572 to Point 19 £31,067 per annum (depending upon experience) plus benefits.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
1. Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
2. 3 extra holidays including International Women’s Day
3. Excellent development and training opportunities
4. Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
5. Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
6. Cycle to Work Scheme
7. Long Service Awards
8. Wellness Awards
SAFE Link was established in 2009 and is a service that works across the Avon and Somerset Police Area and provides emotional and practical support to victims of rape and sexual assault. SAFE Link provides an independent victim-focused service. The service is committed to the Victims Code of Practice. Our ethos is to enable victims to cope and recover after their assault. We can support victims to report to the police if they wish.
Our Children and Young Persons Sexual Violence Advisor will work closely with the Bridge (SARC), CYPS, Police, CPS, safeguarding and social care agencies and both voluntary and statutory agencies including mental health and drug and alcohol agencies. You will have a good understanding of the traumatic impact of sexual assault and rape. You will need to have knowledge around the criminal justice process and will have a commitment to providing a high quality, victim focussed and inclusive service.
Key duties and responsibilities of our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor:
9. Empower victims to increase their options; make positive choices/decisions; increase their confidence; safety and to enable and empower them to cope and recover from their experience
10. Work with the victim and their family to establish a support network and create a complete package of support
11. Promote the service, establish positive, proactive and innovative working relationships with partner agencies
12. Work collaboratively within an integrated team of ISVA’s working across Avon and Somerset
13. Support with victims who are adults (18+); children and young people (U18) and historic victims (adult or children and young people) with a history of mental health and substance misuse.
14. Take referrals from with the Bridge, Lighthouse, self‐referrals and those from voluntary and statutory agencies
15. Maintain up to date, accurate, legible and accessible records of all work and contact with service users
16. Actively participate in regular one‐to‐one supervision, reflective practice groups, and annual appraisals
17. Provide cover for and assist in the delivery of the Triage telephone line
18. Advocate on behalf of service users in a professional and respectful manner
What we are looking for in our ideal Independent Sexual Violence Advisor:
19. Experience of supporting victims to make informed positive decisions
20. An understanding, knowledge and experience of Safeguarding
21. A sound knowledge of working with Children and Young People.
22. Experience of working in a health/social care environment
23. Experience of risk assessing, safety planning and support planning
24. Knowledge around rape and sexual assault and its impact on victims
25. Experience of Multi-Agency working
26. A commitment to the victim’s code of practice
27. Strong numeracy, written communication and ability to carry out own administrative workload
28. Excellent level of IT literacy, operate case management systems
29. Ability to work with victims empathetically, understanding their needs and managing sensitive information appropriately
30. Ability to facilitate and deliver solutions and support within a partnership setting
31. A current full driving licence and access to an appropriate vehicle is essential
The successful applicant will be required to complete a detailed Police Security and Vetting process.
Please apply now to join us as our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and contribute to the valuable work of Safe Link and its wider services, delivering hope and support to survivors of rape and sexual assault.