Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Isva

**Based**:Post based in Bangor with opportunity to work from offices in Colwyn Bay, Rhyl or Wrexham

**Responsible to**:Head of Operations/Chief Executive

**Salary/Grade**:£31,061 - £34,061 PRO RATA

**Hours**:35 hours per week

Fixed term contract until 31stMarch 2025

An ISVA qualification is desired; however, ISVA accredited training will be provided upon appointment if required.

**Job Summary**

To deliver advocacy support within RASASC North Wales, to clients who have experienced CSA, sexual assault or rape in North Wales.

To work in partnership with Amethyst SARC, Social Services, Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Stepping Stones and Voluntary Agencies to ensure clients are adequately supported through health and psychological services where necessary, criminal justice and follow on support processes.

To prioritise, assess, plan, evaluate and deliver all relevant aspects of care to an agreed and expected high standard. They will work closely with the clinical team within the organisation to:

- undertake and review risk assessments and help clients keep safe
- Support clients access their rights
- Assist clients access health and other services they require
- Provide ongoing advocacy and support.
- Monitor and keep client informed of case progress if applicable
- Provide support and advocacy through the criminal justice system if applicable
- Monitoring and checking of DPMS ISVA monitoring information to ensure all necessary information is captured.
- Refer clients to appropriate agencies for additional support eg SARC, Mental Health Team etc.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Make contact with all clients after referral is received.
- Undertake and review risk assessment.
- Develop individual care plan to address risks/support needs of client.
- Follow organisational procedures for any clients assessed as high risk.
- Help clients to access appropriate services to meet their needs.
- Provide face to face, online and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients where appropriate.
- Help client to develop own support network.
- Explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
- Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
- Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation with client’s consent.
- Support clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system, working with or referring on to Amethyst SARC as necessary.
- Liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client, with the client’s consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information. If local protocols can be agreed, keep the client informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
- Participate in case conferences with appropriate parties eg Police.
- Understand the need for special measures and ensure such are in place as required.

**General**
- Manage a caseload.
- Maintain and monitor records of all cases.
- Recording relevant data on DPMS.
- Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.
- Note and feedback to other agencies and consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.
- Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary.
- Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, court service, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, voluntary sector organisations.
- Participate in team meetings and peer review.
- Provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies.
- Have a clear understanding of the myths and facts of sexual violence, rape trauma syndrome, the long-term mental health effects of sexual violence, self-harm, suicidal feelings and attempts.
- Be fully aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.
- Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of the service

**CRITERIA**

**KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS**

**Qualifications & Training**

Good standard of education (essential)

Health and Social Care Qualification (essential)

Evidence of continuing professional development (desirable)

ISVA qualification (desirable)

**Experience**

Experience of advocacy support (essential)

Experience of working with adults who are vulnerable (essential)

Experience of working with adults who have experienced sexual abuse (desirable)

Experience of working with children (desirable)

Experience of working within the criminal justice process (desirable)

Experience of multi-agency working (essential)

**Knowledge**

Knowledge of the impact of sexual abuse (desirable)

Knowledge of the criminal justice process (desirable)

Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures (es