Job Description

Job title: Independent Sexual Violence Advisor

Reporting to: CEO

Salary: £25,000+ Dependent on experience and qualifications

Hours: 35 hours per week. Between the hours of 8am-8pm when required, Monday to Friday.

Location: East Kent

Family Matters is a Kent based, leading specialist sexual abuse and rape charity. We help women, men and young people who have been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk and we find ways to prevent abuse from ever happening. We have been protecting and supporting people affected by sexual abuse and rape for 30 years and we intend to continue this vital work for many years to come because the need for organisations like ours has never been greater.

Job purpose:

Family Matters has provided Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) support services for over 12 years now. More recently we have been fortunate to expand into East Kent and, are therefore in the position of increasing our staff quota.

We are looking to appoint ISVAs to cover the East of Kent.

ISVA will provide support to Family Matters clients and adhere to the Home Office Essential Elements guide for mandatory requirements.
You will be required to provide specialist tailored support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and their families. The nature of the support that is provided will vary from case to case and depend on the needs of the individual and their circumstances. You will provide emotional, practical, trauma led support and liaise between the police, courts and other agencies, acting as an advocate for the survivor. The ISVA will risk assess and help people to keep safe.

The post holder will provide direct follow-up support to clients and manage referrals ensuring that vulnerable people are safeguarded and have access to appropriate services. They will also support clients to access and participate in the criminal justice process as able.

Person specification

Essential – Personal qualities

An empathetic, non-judgemental and compassionate attitude and a genuine desire to support those affected by rape or sexual abuse.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide emotional support to others and quickly build a rapport with our clients in person or over telephone, email or instant messenger.

A calm and confident approach to supporting clients who may be vulnerable or distressed.

Exemplary communication skills with the ability to listen to, understand and address the requirements, concerns and questions of our clients.

A team-player with a positive outlook and strong work ethic.

Self-awareness and emotional resilience.

Essential – Knowledge, Qualifications or Training

A good standard of English language.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of office management systems and procedures

A confident computer user with good ICT skills.

An awareness of confidentiality, data protection, safeguarding and appropriate boundaries.

Working with victims or an understanding of the CPS process

Desirable

Experience in a helping role

An interest in charitable activities

Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise work

Attention to detail and problem solving skills

Strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task

Family Matters is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and adopts strict measures to ensure the safety of its clients. Family Matters expects all staff to work within its safeguarding policies and procedures. All staff undertake enhanced DBS checks.