Applications are invited for Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) position in the Norfolk ISVA Service, within the Safeguarding & Investigations Command and based at Reepham Road, and at other establishments within Norfolk Constabulary as may be reasonably required. Police Staff Conditions of Service will be adhered to in such instances.
You will provide independent, specialist, trauma‑informed advocacy and support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse across Norfolk.
You will be supporting adult survivors, including survivors from protected characteristic groups who may face additional barriers to accessing services. You will be empowering survivors to understand their rights, options and pathways, ensures their voice is central to decision‑making, and supporting them through criminal justice, safeguarding and recovery processes where chosen.
Responsibilities
* Provide confidential, non‑judgemental, survivor‑led advocacy to individuals affected by sexual violence and abuse.
* Support survivors from the point of disclosure through investigation, court proceedings and beyond, where required.
* Promote informed choice, respecting survivor autonomy whether or not they engage with the criminal justice system.
* Support survivors engaging with police, CPS and courts, including explanation of processes and special measures.
* Liaise with criminal justice partners while maintaining independence from statutory agencies.
* Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk.
* Act in accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Care Act 2014 and local safeguarding procedures.
* Balance safeguarding duties with confidentiality and survivor consent wherever possible.
* Deliver advocacy that is inclusive, culturally competent and responsive to intersectional needs.
* Identify and address barriers faced by survivors with protected characteristics (e.g. disability, ethnicity, sexuality, immigration status).
* Advocate for reasonable adjustments and equitable access to services.
* Maintain accurate, timely and secure case records in line with GDPR and organisational policies.
* Manage a complex caseload with competing priorities.
* Engage in supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
* Work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary sector partners across Norfolk.
* Contribute to service development, data collection, quality assurance and learning.
* Perform any other duties that are commensurate with the role and grade as may be requested by management.
Required qualifications and experience
* Experience of working with vulnerable or marginalised individuals, including children, young people and/or adults.
* Experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, abuse or exploitation.
* Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and protected characteristic groups.
* Understanding of sexual violence and its impact across the lifespan.
* Knowledge of safeguarding principles relating to both children and adults.
* Understanding of trauma‑informed, survivor‑led and empowerment‑based practice.Understanding of confidentiality, consent and information‑sharing.
* Ability to build and maintain trusting, professional relationships with survivors in distress.
* Strong advocacy and communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Ability to explain complex processes in a clear, accessible and age‑appropriate way.
* Ability to manage a complex caseload and work effectively under pressure.
* Ability to work independently while contributing to a multi‑disciplinary team.
* Empathy, emotional resilience and professional integrity.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
* Commitment to survivor autonomy and informed choice.
* Willingness and ability to travel across Norfolk.
Desirable qualifications and experience
* Accredited ISVA qualification or willingness to undertake training.
* Experience supporting survivors through the criminal justice system.
* Experience of child or adult safeguarding processes.
* Knowledge of barriers faced by survivors with protected characteristics (e.g. disability, ethnicity, sexuality, immigration status).
* Relevant qualification or training in social care, youth work, psychology, counselling, criminology or a related field.
Hours of work are 37.00 per week Monday to Friday. This post is offered on a Fixed term contract.
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