Children & Young People's Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (Maternity Cover)

This post is only open to women: The Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.

Role Purpose:

To deliver Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre's (SRASAC's) Children and Young Persons' Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CYP ISVA) service for survivors of sexual violence aged 0-17.

Working alongside our existing CYP ISVA, the post holder will work to provide a proactive service to survivors of sexual violence and their families within and outside of the criminal justice system.

The ISVA service is linked to other services delivered by SRASAC including one to one counselling and group support; ensuring that survivors have access to a range of specialist sexual violence support that provides a holistic approach to meeting their needs.

A little bit about us:

Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (SRASAC) is a specialist sexual violence support service offering free and confidential support to survivors who have experienced rape or sexual abuse at any times in their lives.

SRASAC currently offers:

• A dedicated confidential information and support line for anyone who wants to know more about our services.


• Specialist counselling for survivors.


• Group Work.


• Support through the criminal justice system from reporting incidents to the police through the investigations and to trial, via our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service for everyone - children, young people and adults (no age limits to this service).


Everything we do at SRASAC is underpinned by our ethos and values. We aim to provide a non-judgmental, trauma informed service to clients informed by our understanding of the intersectional and compounding effects of discrimination due to racism, class, poverty, gender identity (including trans people), gender non conformism, disability, sexuality or immigrant status. We are a vibrant, forward-looking organisation with a commitment to continuous improvement and offer opportunities for continuing professional development to all team members.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To deliver a safe, professional and accessible CYP ISVA service, in line with SRASAC's policies and strategic objectives.


• To maintain appropriate record keeping systems in line with data protection requirements and SRASAC policies.


• To manage a caseload of service users, maintain case files, records and monitoring information.


• To establish and maintain relationships with relevant agencies including local support agencies, health, schools, housing, the Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure effective communication and support for CYP ISVA clients.


• To deliver an effective CYP ISVA service which supports young survivors and their families to cope with and recover from the experience of sexual violence.


• To provide support and information across a wide range of issues such as housing, health and education and support survivors to access the appropriate services.


• To accompany clients and their carers to appropriate meetings and when in court.


• To advocate for clients across a range of services and throughout the criminal justice system (when appropriate) and liaise with relevant agencies, ensuring service users' welfare, needs and voice are central to the process.


• To risk assess all cases on an ongoing basis and help service users stay safe by undertaking risk and support needs analysis of service users and developing an appropriate support plan.


• To provide information and support in an easy to understand, accessible manner, to help service users understand and access their full legal and other rights and make informed choices about the options open to them.


• To provide support in relation to the criminal justice process where appropriate, from information about the process involved in reporting a crime to the police, to supporting survivors and support throughout and beyond the trial process as necessary.


• To provide information in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.


• To support and facilitate access to services through referral and signposting to the Children's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Police and appropriate specialist agencies identified in support planning.


• To provide practical and emotional (non-therapeutic) support to service users in person, via telephone, video conferencing and email.


• To undertake regular supervision with a SRASAC approved Counsellor and the ISVA Manager.


• To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.


• To maintain confidentiality in all matters related to SRASAC.


• To undertake any such duties as may be reasonably required by the ISVA Manager.


• To work as part of the South Yorkshire ISVA service attending meetings and supporting colleagues from other South Yorkshire services as appropriate.


• To monitor referrals from the South Yorkshire SV Partnership Hub as occasional cover, where required.


This job description describes the main duties of the post holder and is not exhaustive. It will be reviewed with the post holder as part of the regular performance review and staff development procedure. This job description does not form part of the Contract of Employment.

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