Summary & How the Role Makes a Difference
You will provide support as an ISVA for children and young people (CYP). You will offer compassionate, confidential support to CYP of all genders, who have been subjected to sexual violence and abuse. Some of the work will be providing specialised wrap around support to children and their families where the child has been, or is currently being sexually exploited (CSE support). You will provide information about reporting processes; support CYP who have reported to the police; provide emotional support to CYP when they give their evidence in court and provide information about other options, such as civil action and Criminal Injuries Compensation.
Description / Contract: 12 months, ongoing if funding allows
Purpose of the post:
To provide a high quality and victim/survivor-focused advocacy service to CYP who have been subjected to sexual violence, abuse, sexual exploitation and/or coercion, in order to:
* Provide emotional and practical support, at every stage of the victim/survivor journey.
* Pro-actively and assertively advocate for those who have reported to the Police, are thinking of doing so, or choose not to report (safeguarding guidelines will be followed at all times).
* Ensure that the voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements of children and young people are heard, understood and acted upon by all individuals and organisations.
* Following safeguarding assessments and reduce risk to keep children and young people (and others) safe.
* Ensure that victims/survivors can access the health and other support services that they need.
* Support the work of the CYP ISVA Team, and the wider ISVA Team (Adult, LGBT, Sex Worker and Race and Equality ISVAs) which may include working within Umbrella sexual health settings and other appropriate services as required.
* Work closely with our Counselling and Wellbeing Services Teams.
Salary
Untrained ISVA: £29,777 (NJC 19) full time equivalent plus 3% employer pension contribution.
Accredited ISVA: £31,365 (NJC 22) full time equivalent plus 3% employer pension contribution.
An approved and accredited ISVA qualification is preferable for this post, and will start at the accredited salary rate. However, candidates who demonstrate and live RSVP’s values (bold-believing-big hearted), and have a willingness to work towards ISVA accreditation will also be considered.
Hours of work (full-time and part-time options)
Post 3: Full-time | 38 hours per week | Mon 11-7pm, Tues/Thurs/Fri 9-5pm, Weds 9-3pm | 2 days working from home a week.
You may occasionally be required to work on a Saturday and Sunday, taking time off earlier in the week to balance the total number of hours worked.
Job Description
Location: Mainly in our Birmingham city centre offices with some remote working.
Responsible to: Head of ISVA Services.
Main Duties & Responsibilities (including responsibilities surrounding clients safe)
You will work closely with but independently from the Police, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Witness Care, Social Services and schools, as well as voluntary sector organisations. You will support CYP with the traumatic effects and impacts of sexual violence, abuse, exploitation and coercion and if appropriate help them to understand each stage of the criminal justice process.
For all CYP clients
You will:
* Make contact with CYP referred to the CYP-ISVA service within 24 hours where possible, in order to offer support. (NB. For referrals made at weekends and out of hours this extends to 48 hours.)
* Undertake safeguarding checks, risk assessment and support needs plan with CYP.
* Consider child and adult safeguarding issues when engaging with CYP and follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures.
* Engage in morning briefing sessions as part of the wider CYP Team, to ensure you are fully informed of any CYPs who are currently at risk of CSE and actively engage in their agreed support plan.
* Support CYP to make informed choices about their future options.
* Develop individual service plan to address risks/support needs of CYP.
* Help CYP to access services they need, and to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up referral systems to health, sexual health, mental health and local counselling services etc.
* Provide face to face, telephone, text and email based support to CYP, their families and wider supporters.
* Help CYP develop a support network.
* Explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options.
* Where relevant and with client's consent and within data sharing protocols, keep other agencies informed about changes in CYP’s situation.
For CYP going through Criminal Justice Processes
You will:
* Support CYP through reporting and at each stage of the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their legal entitlements and rights within the system.
* Support CYP in giving their witness statement and during the trial phase, in conjunction with Witness Services.
* Make urgent contact with CYP thinking of reporting to the police or SARC, so that if there is a need for forensic examination or support, all relevant early evidence can be captured.
* Provide information on Criminal Injuries Compensation.
* Liaise with the police, CPS, Social Services, schools, colleges and other agencies on behalf of CYP, with the CYP’s consent and adhering to confidentiality and data sharing policies and procedures.
* Keep the CYP and their families and wider supporters informed about the progress of their case, in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
* If the assault was DV related and the CYP is assessed as high risk, refer on to MARAC and an IDVA following locally agreed protocol. Attend and participate in meetings where required and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.
* Raise with police and/or local child services, any risks or safeguarding concerns around a vulnerable child at risk of any form of abuse.
* To participate in case conferences with the police, CPS, Social Workers and prosecuting barrister etc.
* To ensure CYPs impacted by CSE are proactively supported and safeguarded.
* To understand and communicate the needs of each CYP in relation to special measures, to ensure that they can access the support they require.
General
* Maintain confidentiality at all times.
* Manage a caseload.
* Maintain and monitor confidential notes and records of CYP.
* Act as a chaperone, going with CYP, to provide support and ensure that their voices are heard when they:
* Give a statement to and evidence is gathered by the police/SARC.
* Attend sexual health clinics for testing.
* Visit Court prior to a trial for familiarisation.
* Give their evidence in court, providing emotional support during this stressful time.
* Follow procedures, policies and protocols with other services so that the safety of the CYP is kept central at all times.
* Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties CYP are having accessing their service.
* Offer wrap around support to CYP and their families who are impacted by CSE.
* 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 services, schools, colleges, paediatricians, mental health and sexual health services, Victim Support, Witness Service, voluntary sector organisations.
* To participate in team meetings and morning briefings.
* 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 and abuse.
* Coping strategies and impacts of sexual violence and abuse.
* Long term emotional, and physical health effects of sexual violence and abuse.
* Risks CYP are exposed to.
* To be aware of how to access resources available, regarding interpreters, signers, etc.
* To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of RSVP CYP-ISVA service.
* To be familiar with all aspects of the work of RSVP and Umbrella sexual health Services.
* Work flexibly as a member of the team and be responsive to changing needs.
* Be willing to undertake relevant training as required.
* Work within the policies and procedures of RSVP and demonstrate a commitment to their values, principles and ethos.
* Undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post holder.
{This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check - application to DBS will only be submitted if offered the position}
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £31,365.00 per year
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Application question(s):
* Do you have an ISVA or social work qualification?
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/11/2024
Reference ID: Trained CYP ISVA Full time
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