Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

RASASC Guildford - Making a difference to the lives of those affected by rape and sexual abuse Position : Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Hours : Full time Salary : Competitive salary dependent on and reflective of experience, qualifications, and training. Starting range (for 35 hours/FTE) from £29,637 to over £30,000 depending on experience Location : Based in Guildford and covering Surrey Accountable to : ISVA Team Leader DBS check : Yes Closing on : Friday 6 November at 12 noon. If you do not meet every requirement but believe you meet some and could bring valuable skills and experience to the role, we encourage you to apply. This is a new opportunity to join our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) team. We are committed to equal opportunities, and we warmly encourage applications from all sections of the community particularly applicants from diverse groups. RASASC is a registered charity which has been providing support to survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all genders (both recent and non-recent) and young people from 13 years old, from across Surrey since 1992. We provide an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service. ISVAs support survivors to help them overcome the abuse they have suffered and to rebuild their lives. This service also includes supporting the survivor to seek justice through the judicial system, should the survivor wish. We also provide one-to-one counselling, group work, youth counselling, a support line, and a family support programme. Volunteers are an important part of the work we do. Volunteers staff our support line and many of our qualified counsellors work on a voluntary basis with survivors of rape and sexual abuse. ISVA ISVAs are survivor-focused advocates, who support survivors of recent and non recent rape and sexual abuse to enable them to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse they have experienced. An ISVA provides individual support, and this will vary from client to client. This role is based at the RASASC Guildford office and will work across Surrey. The ISVA must have a full driving licence and use of a car that can be used for work purposes. You will be part of a dedicated, experienced, and friendly team. The ISVAs meet fortnightly for peer support and work collaboratively with each other to share knowledge. Each ISVA has a lead area of responsibility in addition to your caseload supporting a range of clients. You will be provided with monthly clinical supervision and attend monthly one-to-one meetings with the ISVA team leader. We welcome applications from all candidates but are particularly looking for those who can demonstrate the experience listed in the essential criteria of the person specification, and especially from those who can evidence the desirable skills and/or have an existing ISVA qualification. Please note if you are not qualified, the ISVA will be required to undertake accredited training specifically designed to support them in delivering this service. This training is held in Manchester and is delivered over six modules (n.b. currently this is being delivered remotely but this is subject to change). Each module is taught over two consecutive days to minimise the amount of time ISVAs are away. Currently this training is delivered virtually although this may change. Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) – Job Description Role Purpose • Provide independent, survivor-focused support to people who have experienced rape or sexual abuse. • Offer impartial information about all options available, including the criminal justice system, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), sexual health services, and other relevant local services, enabling survivors to make informed choices without pressure. • Support survivors regardless of whether they choose to report to the police, are considering reporting, are progressing through the criminal justice process or are no longer involved in that process. • Maintain a balanced caseload and deliver timely, responsive support in line with individual needs, assessed risk and service priorities. • Be based at Guildford RASASC and travel throughout Surrey as required. • Undertake other duties that are broadly consistent with the purpose and level of the post, recognising that this job description cannot cover every matter that may arise. Key Tasks and Responsibilities • Deliver a specialist, independent advocacy service that is distinct from the roles of a crisis worker and counsellor. • Complete risk assessments and support-needs assessments collaboratively with each survivor, and develop, review, and update an individual support and safety plan. • Provide practical information, advice, advocacy, and support across issues such as housing, health, education, and access to other services, helping to promote the survivor’s safety, wellbeing, and recovery. • Explain criminal justice processes clearly, provide appropriate updates and support survivors to communicate wit