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Independent Sexual Violence Advisor
family matters
  • Salary £24,000 - £26,500 per year
  • Location Gravesend, Kent (On-site)
  • Job Type Permanent, Full-time
  • Category Advice, Information , Advocacy
  • Sectors Crime
  • Job Reference : ISVA FM

Job Description

Family Matters (FM) is looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor based in East Kent. FM is an independent charity for people affected by sexual crime in Kent.

Your primary role will be to provide a pro-active service for adults who have experienced sexual violence, when required within and outside the criminal justice system, throughout Kent.

This involves risk assessment, helping clients access their rights, along with health and other services they require, monitoring and keeping victims informed of case progress and providing support through the criminal justice system. You must have extensive experience of planning and delivering caseloads, with strong crisis management skills and an understanding of the needs of victims experiencing sexual violence, particularly adults. You will have an approved and accredited ISVA qualification or a willingness to undertake the ISVA qualification.

You will be required to attend relevant meetings and will provide regular reports to your line manager and also undertake talks and presentations to local groups and agencies on the work of Family Matters, developing networks and partnerships and increasing the role of the service in the community. Good IT skills, knowledge of criminal justice issues and an understanding of the effects a court appearance can have on victims and witnesses of crime are also essential. You will be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with people from all areas of the community and be able to assist with the monitoring, evaluation and administration of written statistical reports on the project management for our external funders.

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

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.

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.

Please send a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for this role and why you want to work for Family Matters.

Family Matters is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team of employees. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents not only part of our culture, but our reputation and Family Matters’s achievement as well. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.