Swindon and Wiltshire Children & Young Peoples Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (Fixed Term)
Salary: £25,954 per annum rising to £26,364 per annum on successful completion of probation and £28,002 per annum after accreditation.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00)
Holiday: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service per annum plus bank holidays.
Base: The Gables, Swindon, possibility for hybrid or some remote working where appropriate.
Area Covered: Swindon and Wiltshire.
Contract: Fixed term 18 month contract.
About the Role
Work in a multi‑agency setting providing a proactive crisis intervention service to child victims of sexual violence within and outside of the criminal justice system. The post holder will risk‑assess and support client needs, develop a comprehensive support plan and ensure victims are supported throughout the criminal justice system from report to court and access services to which they are entitled. Commitment to a high quality, victim‑focused and inclusive service as outlined in the Victim Code of Practice is required.
The post holder will manage a busy caseload, demonstrate excellent partnership skills and an understanding of children’s and vulnerable people safeguarding procedures. The role will work proactively as part of the ISVA Team, respect the diversity of the community and ensure services are accessible to all.
Advocacy and information will be provided to clients in high‑risk situations with safety of the service user and self as a priority. Appropriate professional record keeping is required using the client information system.
Key Responsibilities
* Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims, family members and wider society.
* Travel throughout Swindon and Wiltshire to provide support to clients under 18 years of age.
* Manage a caseload of clients aged 0‑18, varying between child sexual abuse/violence and child sexual exploitation cases, providing an individual support care plan.
* Provide face‑to‑face, telephone and email support to clients and their supporters where appropriate.
* Be proactive and develop the role of the Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor across First Light.
* Respect the diversity of children and young people and prioritise accessibility of service provision.
* Support children and young people through the criminal justice process and liaise with the police accordingly.
* Respond to crisis situations, completing onward safeguarding referrals.
* Engage with other agencies such as Paediatric SARC (The Bridge), CAMHS, social services, police and counselling services to provide a multi‑agency approach for clients.
Essential Requirements
* Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Added Benefits
* Comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy.
* Well‑being day per financial year (1 April to 31 March).
* Access to external supervision for discussing personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases.
* Health and wellbeing resources including staff Well‑being Group, Staff Consultation Committee, and active participation in staff engagement platform.
* Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 telephone helpline for medical, emotional and financial support.
* Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Encouragement of applications from all sections of the community, including age, race, faith, disability, neurodiversity, gender, gender expression or sexuality. First Light is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and has an LGBTQIA+ Staff Network.
* Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.
Additional Information
Successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check and a social media check conducted by a third‑party organisation as part of the Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer is contingent on satisfactory completion of these checks and receipt of two satisfactory employment references, including one from the current or most recent employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr