Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) for The Angelou Centre

Role overview

The primary responsibilities of this role include providing victim-survivors with emotional and trauma informed support and provide them with comprehensive and practical information such as reporting to the police, accessing Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services, and obtaining specialist support, including pre-trial therapy and sexual violence counselling. This position is dedicated to ensuring that victims and survivors receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, and benefit-related needs. Additionally, the role entails at least 30% of its time conducting outreach work to further support and engage with the community.

Key responsibilities

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of sexual violence and exploitation
• Raises awareness on sexual education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to those with protected characteristics and/or facing multiple disadvantages.
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Support improved mentalwellbeing and resilience, measured using WarwickEdinburgh Mental WellBeing Scale and the ChaosIndex for those with complex needs.
• Help improve local services understanding of the dynamics of sexual exploitation and the long-term impact.
• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• To attend external team meetings and presentations in relevant forums and partnerships
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key organisations and their staff to support women to gain access to the services they require.
• The post holder will be required to complete reporting information, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To be aware of external service processes to safeguard individuals who are exposed to sexual exploitation.
• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of sex work and sexual exploitation, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences.
• To Supportpolice when undertaking visits to brothels to assist withsafeguarding women who are experiencing Sexual exploitation.
• To provide an in-reach service to women in custody who are experiencing and/or are at risk of Sexual exploitation.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.
• To maintain confidentiality and to ensure that professional boundaries are observed when working with service users, staff,
• volunteers and external bodies and to work according to The Angelou Centre’s Code of Conduct.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• To contribute to the smooth running of Angelou Centre projects, activities and events and overall Angelou Centre performance.
• To assist in maintaining high standards in all aspects of the organisation’s work; including conduct with colleagues, external agencies and service users.
• To comply with, and promote issues of, confidentiality, equity and inclusion and all other policies and procedures at all times.
• To fully participate in all relevant meetings when required and requested thiswill include staffmeetings – internal and externally and may include evenings and weekends.
• To fully participate in all training, supervision, appraisal and other learning opportunities when required and/or requested.
• To ensure Outlookcalendar are kept up-to-date for line managerand teammates to easily locatewhereabouts and book appointments/meetings 

Flexibility Clause

• In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and minoritised women and all matters relating to their wellbeing. 

Essential 

Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs

Essential 

Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.

Essential 

An excellent understanding of sexualviolence

Desirable 

An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around sexual abuse

Essential 

Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

Essential 

Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1

Desirable

Health and Social Care Qualification 

Desirable 

Experience in crisis management and the ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines

Desirable

IDVA and/or ISVA qualification

Essential

A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

SKILLS & ABILITIES 

Essential 

Skilled in data collection, monitoring and IT skills, including word processing and using databases and spreadsheets

Essential 

Good report writing skills, including preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC

Essential 

Ability to set clear professional boundaries with clients andpartners

Essential 

Ability to work well and cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Essential

Ability to work independently using your own initiative 

Essential 

Ability to work flexibly, with a proactive approach and a good ability to prioritise work

Essential

Able to priorities work load independently 

PERSONAL ATTITUDE & COMMITMENT 

Essential 

Commitment to the Angelou Centre’s vision and black feminist values and priorities 

Essential 

Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice 

Essential 

To be flexible and adaptable in working with vulnerable women 

Essential 

Have a ‘can do’ positive attitude 

Essential

Have an understanding and commitment to shared responsibility in a team context (including covering in cases of emergency) and be able to put this into practice 

Essential 

Be willing to undertake general reception, administration and maintenance duties if required 

Essential

Willingness to undertake training and shows a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed