Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) Vacancy

West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is a specialist sexual violence support service that has operated within Worcestershire since 1986, Herefordshire (2011) and parts of Shropshire (2019).

We deliver a range of services for survivors of all forms of rape, sexual violence, abuse, harassment and/or exploitation. We work with women, men, and children & young people (age 5+) and their families.

This current vacancy is 30-37.5 hours per week based in Worcester but with travel throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire when needed. The successful applicant must have the ability to travel throughout both counties.

Main Responsibilities:

• Manage an agreed client caseload, reviewed monthly, or dependent on demand.
  • Contact all clients referred to the service within 48 hours if possible and subsequently as necessary until other support is identified or at the clients’ request.
    • Undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.
    • Develop an individual support plan to address risks/support needs of clients.
    • If the assault was Domestic Abuse (DA) related and clients are assessed as high risk, refer to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following protocol and attend and participate in meetings, follow up on actions agreed in MARAC.
    • Help clients to access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services and local counselling organisations.
    • Provide face to face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients where appropriate.
    • Empower clients 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.
    • In accordance with information sharing policies, and where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in clients’ situations.
      • Consider child protection issues when engaging with clients assaulted in a domestic setting and follow child protection policies whilst keeping the needs of the child/young person paramount.
      • Support clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
        • Subject to local arrangements and the views of the clients, support clients in the witness statement and during the trial phase in conjunction with the Witness Service.
        • Liaise with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of clients, with the clients’ and/or parents’ consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information. If local protocols can be agreed, keep the clients informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
        • To participate in case conferences with the police, CPS, prosecuting barrister and where necessary child safeguarding services.
        • Inform clients about their right to request special measures in Court and ensure that their preferences/needs are passed on and met.
        • Maintain and monitor records of all cases.
        • Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of clients is kept central to any process.

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  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.
  • To 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, and other voluntary sector organisations.
  • To participate in team meetings and peer review.
  • To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.
  • To 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.
  • To be fully aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.
  • To monitor and evaluate effectiveness of the service.