Welcome to AXIS Counselling/ISVA Vacancies

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor with Training specialism

Job Description

Hours:                30 hours per week

Salary:                £21,309 per annum (actual)

(increasing upon successful completion of training)

Fixed term until 31^st March 2023

Location:           Across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin

Holidays:           25 days plus statutory holidays per annum to be calculated pro rata to hours worked

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To work within the setting of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service providing tailored support to survivors of sexual abuse with a primary focus on Education. Create and deliver education, training and awareness raising packages for internal staff and external agencies. Create and deliver programs of trauma informed support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

The successful applicant will be required to understand and operate within the Axis organisation’s policies, procedures and guidelines and work to the principles of equal opportunities.

This post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

KEY TASKS

All clients

• Create packages of learning suitable for delivery to professionals which is trauma informed
• Create packages of learning suitable for delivery to survivors
• Create packages of learning suitable for online delivery
• Create packages of learning for delivery internally to ISVA’s and other relevant staff, including an induction package
• Identify targeted groups of professionals to create specific packages of learning for, having identified the issues
• Deliver education, training and awareness raising to professionals using a range of styles of delivery
• Support clients of the ISVA service through tailored support packages
• Work with the ISVA’s with specialisms to create training packages based on learning developed from the specialists to deliver to other ISVA’s and relevant members of staff
• Attend awareness raising events to raise awareness of Axis, the ISVA service and Sexual Abuse
• Work pro-actively from direct feedback from ISVA’s and their clients to target local areas of need for education, training or awareness raising to help the recovery of clients in service
• Support Axis Management team in the development of online training
• Create a programme of Continual Personal Development for ISVA’s and relevant members of staff
• Create a method of monitoring and evaluating the impact of the education, training and awareness raising for evaluative purposes and funding reports
• Support management with funding bids, when requested
• Produce promotional material for the ISVA specialities
• Manage a small caseload of ISVA clients to ensure up to date and relevant understanding of the current issues.

KEY TASKS OF AN ISVA

• Undertake needs and risk assessment with client
• Develop individual support plan to address risks/support needs of client
• Help clients to access services to which they are entitled e.g. sexual health services, making referrals to mental health/counselling agencies, assisting with child care arrangements and return to work
• Provide direct support to clients via a mutually agreed method (such as face to face; online; telephone)
• Communicate with client/agencies using e-mail, letter and non-therapeutic telephone support where appropriate
• Help client develop own support network
• Explain criminal, legal and, if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients
• Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation
• Consider and respond to safeguarding issues

If client reports to the police:

• Support client through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
• Support the client to report to the Police and during the trial phase in conjunction with Witness Services
• Liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client, with the client’s consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information.
• Keep the client informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirement of the Victims Code of Practice
• To understand the need for some clients accessing special measures

GENERAL

• Maintain and monitor digital records of all cases

• Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process

• Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

• Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary

• Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including police, CPS, court services, social care, education, Victim Support, witness service, voluntary and statutory sector organisations.
• Any other duties the ISVA Manager, Senior ISVA or CEO considers appropriate.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

• Attend monthly line management supervision
• Attend monthly clinical supervision
• Identify and attend appropriate training opportunities

OTHER

• To produce written reports as required
• Support with any funding bids when requested
• Support management with the development of policies, procedures and protocols.
• Any other duties as directed by your Line Manager

The post will be reviewed after six months and following consultation with the post holder duties may change or be developed subject to available funding and the needs of the service

Please note that the post holder must have a Full driving licence and a vehicle available for work.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Person (Training specialism) specification

(This form indicates how the different requirements may be assessed during the selection process).

A – Application form  I – Interview

Essential / Desirable Any offers of appointment will be conditional on staff committing to completing training in those areas deemed essential to the post	Method of Assessment
	A	I
Education, qualifications and training
Good standard of education (Level 4) or equivalent experience	X
Training/ Facilitators qualification (Level 3 or over) or relevant experience	X
Employment History
Relevant previous or current employment / work experience	X
Skills and experience
Knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexual violence	X	X
Knowledge and understanding of the impact of sexual violence	X	X
Extensive experience of working with victims of sexual violence	X	X
Experience of delivering education/ training/ awareness raising	X
Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system	X	X
Experience of and ability to work pro-actively		X
High standards of practice and presentation of work	X
Able to prioritise own workload and deal with competing demands		X
Experience of working with a range of agencies	X
Experience of taking appropriate action to safeguard children and/ or adults with care and support needs	X	X
Understanding of gender equality duty	X
Understanding of the need to maintain personal records of clients	X
Proficient at using Information Technology including Windows, Microsoft Office, email and the Internet	X
Personal attributes
Ability to work on own initiative, in partnership and as part of a team	X	X
Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills	X	X
Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with colleagues	X	X
Ability to produce written and verbal reports	X
Understanding the need for professional confidentiality and its boundaries	X	X
Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice	X
Strong crisis management skills, methodical and well organised	X	X
Ability to work in an empathic manner, to maintain consistency and develop a rapport with service users	X	X
Special requirements
Eligible to work in the UK	X
An Enhanced DBS check	X
Willing to access training relating to duties	X
Able to travel as required	X

Closing date: Monday 9th August – 12 noon.

Adult Independent Sexual Violence Advisor with LGBTQ+ specialism

Job Description

Hours:                35 hours per week

Salary:                £24,861 per annum (actual)

(increasing upon successful completion of training)

Fixed term until 31^st March 2023

Location:           Across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin

Holidays:           25 days plus statutory holidays per annum to be calculated pro rata to hours worked

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To work within a multi-agency setting to provide a pro-active service to victims of sexual violence within and outside of the criminal justice system to:

• Risk assess and help clients keep safe
• Help clients access their rights
• Help clients access health and other services they require
• Monitor and keep client informed of case progress
• Provide support through the criminal justice system

This role also holds a specialism relating to working with and for clients from the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced sexual abuse

• Raise awareness of the issues arising within the LGBTQ+ community and assist in removing barriers to accessing services.
• Work within a multi-agency arena to share knowledge and learning that will help Axis and other partner agencies to provide better-informed services
• Share information and learning across the ISVA team to ensure that all members of the team are well informed and suitably trained to work with clients who identify under the umbrella term of LGBTQ+
• Engage with members of the LGBTQ+ community from both within, and outside of the service
• Support Axis management team to ensure that policies and procedures are inclusive, appropriate, and kept up to date.

The successful applicant will be required to understand and operate within the Axis organisation’s policies, procedures and guidelines and work to the principles of equal opportunities.

This post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

KEY TASKS

All clients

• Undertake needs and risk assessment with client
• Develop individual support plan to address risks/support needs of client
• If assault was domestic abuse related and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following agreed protocols and work with the IDVA
• Attend and participate in MARAC meetings.
• Help clients to access services to which they are entitled e.g. sexual health services, making referrals to mental health/counselling agencies, assisting with child care arrangements and return to work
• Provide direct support to clients via a mutually agreed method (such as face to face; online; telephone)
• Communicate with client/agencies using e-mail, letter and non-therapeutic telephone support where appropriate
• Help client develop own support network
• Explain criminal, legal and, if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients
• Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation
• Consider and respond to safeguarding issues

If client reports to the police

• Support client through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
• Support the client to report to the Police and during the trial phase in conjunction with Witness Services
• Liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client, with the client’s consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information.
• Keep the client informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirement of the Victims Code of Practice
• To understand the need for some clients accessing special measures

GENERAL

• Manage a caseload
• Maintain and monitor digital records of all cases
• Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process
• Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.
• Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary
• Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including police, CPS, court services, social care, education, Victim Support, witness service, voluntary and statutory sector organisations.

• Any other duties the ISVA Manager, Senior ISVA or CEO considers appropriate.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

• Attend monthly line management supervision
• Attend monthly clinical supervision
• Identify and attend appropriate training opportunities

OTHER

• To produce written reports as required
• Any other duties as directed by your Line Manager

The post will be reviewed after six months and following consultation with the post holder duties may change or be developed subject to available funding and the needs of the service

Please note that the post holder must have a Full driving licence and a vehicle available for work.

Adult Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Person (LGBTQ+ specialism) Specification

(This form indicates how the different requirements may be assessed during the selection process).

A – Application form  I – Interview

Essential / Desirable Any offers of appointment will be conditional on staff committing to completing training in those areas deemed essential to the post	Method of Assessment
	A	I
Education, qualifications and training
Good standard of education (Level 4) or equivalent experience	X
Employment History
Relevant previous or current employment / work experience	X
Skills and experience
Knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexual violence	X	X
Knowledge and understanding of the impact of sexual violence	X	X
Experience of working with victims of sexual violence	X	X
Experience of working with the LGBTQ+ community	X
Knowledge and understanding of the barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community		X
Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system	X	X
Experience of and ability to work pro-actively		X
High standards of practice and presentation of work	X
Able to prioritise own workload and deal with competing demands		X
Experience of working with a range of agencies	X
Knowledge of child protection issues and legislation	X	X
Understanding of gender equality duty	X
Understanding of the need to maintain personal records of clients	X
Proficient at using Information Technology including Windows, Microsoft Office, email and the Internet	X
Personal attributes
Ability to work on own initiative, in partnership and as part of a team	X	X
Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills	X	X
Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with colleagues	X	X
Ability to produce written and verbal reports	X
Understanding the need for professional confidentiality and its boundaries	X	X
Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice	X
Strong crisis management skills, methodical and well organised	X	X
Ability to work in an empathic manner, to maintain consistency and develop a rapport with service users	X	X
Special requirements
Eligible to work in the UK	X
An Enhanced DBS check	X
Willing to access training relating to duties	X
Able to travel as required	X

Closing date: Monday 9th August – 12 noon.

ISVA ADMINISTRATOR

Job Description

Hours:                25 hours per week (over 5 days Monday to Friday)

Fixed term post to cover Maternity Leave for 6 months

Salary:                £14,300 per annum (actual)

Location:           Across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin

Holidays:           25 days plus statutory holidays per annum to be calculated pro rata to hours worked

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

This role is to provide administrative support to a busy Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service across 2 offices.

Please note that this role will involve data input of some potentially distressing content.

The successful applicant will be required to understand and operate within the Axis organisation’s policies, procedures and guidelines and work to the principles of equal opportunities.

WHAT DOES AN ISVA SERVICE DO?

The ISVA Service provides a pro-active service to victims of sexual violence of all ages, within and outside of the criminal justice system to:

• Risk assess and help clients keep safe
• Help clients access their rights
• Help clients access health and other services they require
• Monitor and keep client informed of case progress
• Provide support through the criminal justice system

KEY TASKS

• Hold a small caseload of clients who are awaiting an outcome from Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims
• Contact Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to obtain claim updates for client
• Answer incoming calls from clients and organisations
• Monitor and deal appropriately with incoming emails in to general email enquiry inbox, and secure email box
• Contact clients to obtain feedback via different methods such as telephone, survey monkey, email, text
• Create and monitor survey monkey questionnaires
• Send emails to the Police to gain case status updates on behalf of clients
• Assist ISVA’s with data input to transfer paper documents onto the database
• Maintain the paper filing system and monthly secure destruction of files in line with Axis’s retention policy
• Book ISVA staff on to training courses
• Receive post and scan on to database
• Comply with GDPR and data protection regulations
• Assist Line Manager with quarterly reports for funders
• Take minutes at team meetings
• Maintain records of most up to date copies of documents
• Support the ISVA Manager and ISVA Seniors in the with their administrative needs to facilitate the day to day running of the ISVA service

GENERAL

• Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary

• Any other duties the Manager considers appropriate.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

• Attend monthly line management supervision
• Identify and attend appropriate training opportunities

OTHER

• To produce written reports as required
• Any other duties as directed by your Line Manager

The post will be reviewed after six months and following consultation with the post holder duties may change or be developed subject to available funding and the needs of the service

Administrator Person Specification

(This form indicates how the different requirements may be assessed during the selection process).

A – Application form  I – Interview

Essential / Desirable Any offers of appointment will be conditional on staff committing to completing training in those areas deemed essential to the post	Method of Assessment
	A	I
Education, qualifications and training
Good standard of education (Level 3) or equivalent experience	X
Employment History
Relevant previous or current employment / work experience	X
Skills and experience
Experience of working in an office environment	X
Knowledge and experience of GDPR and data protection	X	X
Experience of using databases and data entry	X
Experience of working without direct supervision	X	X
Experience of speaking to vulnerable clients on the telephone	X	X
Experience of and ability to work pro-actively		X
Experience in minute taking	X
Able to prioritise own workload and deal with competing demands		X
Experience of contacting a range of agencies	X
Experience in maintaining paper filing systems	X
Understanding of the need to maintain personal records of clients	X
Experience in producing statistical reports	X
Proficient at using Information Technology including Windows, Microsoft Office, email and the Internet	X	X
Knowledge and understanding of sexual abuse (would be advantageous)		X
Personal attributes
Ability to work on own initiative, in partnership and as part of a team	X	X
Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills	X	X
Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with colleagues	X	X
Ability to produce written and verbal reports	X
Understanding the need for professional confidentiality and its boundaries	X	X
Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice	X
Strong crisis management skills, methodical and well organised	X	X
Ability to work in an empathic manner, to maintain consistency and develop a rapport with service users	X	X
Resilient when dealing with distressing content		X
Special requirements
Eligible to work in the UK	X
Willing to access training relating to duties	X
Able to travel as required between offices	X

Closing date – Wednesday 4th August – 12 noon.

Child and Young Person Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ChISVA)

Job Description

Hours/ Location:        30 hours per week working across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin

Fixed term post to cover maternity leave for 12 months.

Salary:                        £21,309 per annum (actual)

Holidays:                    25 days plus statutory holidays per annum to be calculated pro rata to hours worked

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To work within a multi-agency setting to provide a pro-active service to support children and young people aged 5-17 years who have experienced sexual violence, to:

• Risk assess and help clients keep safe
• Identify support needs and provide direct support in the form of coping mechanisms and emotional support; or help clients access the services they require
• Help clients access their rights
• Provide support through the criminal justice system (if applicable)
• Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress
• Help clients cope and recover
• Emotionally support parents where appropriate.

Support will be provided directly to the child/young person, and also via a non-abusive parent/ guardian.

The successful applicant will be required to understand and operate within the Axis organisation’s policies, procedures and guidelines and work to the principles of equal opportunities.

This post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

KEY TASKS

All clients

• Undertake needs and risk assessment with client/ parent
• Develop individual support plan to address risks/support needs of client
• Provide one to one, age appropriate support to address identified needs and/or education in areas such as internet safety; consent; self-esteem; confidence; bullying; self-harm, working in close conjunction with non-abusive parents/guardians to identify these needs
• If assault was domestic abuse related and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following agreed protocols and work with the IDVA
• Attend and participate in MARAC meetings.
• Help clients to access services to which they are entitled e.g. sexual health services, making referrals to mental health/counselling agencies, and return to work/ educational setting.
• Provide face to face support to clients and their supporters – this will include supporting the parent where appropriate
• Communicate with client/agencies using e-mail, letter and non-therapeutic telephone support where appropriate
• Help develop clients’ support network
• Explain criminal, legal and, if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients
• Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation
• Consider and respond to safeguarding issues
• Attend meetings connected with child protection, and act as an advocate for the client to ensure their voice is heard; and ensure that other professionals understand the impact of sexual violence and take this in to account when making decisions about the child’s welfare.

If client reports to the police

• Support clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
• Support clients to report to the Police; and during the trial phase in conjunction with Witness Services (if applicable)
• Liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client, with the client’s consent, and adhere to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information.
• Keep the client and Parent/Guardian/Carer informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirement of the Victims Code of Practice
• To ensure clients are given the opportunities they are entitled to in relation to accessing special measures

GENERAL

• Manage a caseload
• Maintain and monitor records of all cases
• Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process
• Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.
• Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary
• Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including police, CPS, court services, social care, education, Victim Support, witness service, voluntary and statutory sector organisations.
• Any other duties the Manager considers appropriate.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

• Attend monthly line management supervision
• Attend monthly clinical supervision
• Identify and attend appropriate training opportunities

OTHER

• To produce written reports as required
• Any other duties as directed by your Line Manager

The post will be reviewed after six months and following consultation with the post holder duties may change or be developed subject to available funding and the needs of the service

Please note due to the nature of this role, it is only open to female applicants and is exempt from ‘The Equality Act 2010’

Please note that the post holder must have a Full driving licence and a vehicle available for work.

Child Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Person Specification

(This form indicates how the different requirements may be assessed during the selection process).

A – Application form  I – Interview

Essential / Desirable Any offers of appointment will be conditional on staff committing to completing training in those areas deemed essential to the post	Method of Assessment
	A	I
Education, qualifications and training
Good standard of education (Level 4) or equivalent experience	X
Qualification incorporating child development or relevant experience	X
Employment History
Relevant previous or current employment / work experience	X
Skills and experience
Experience working with children aged 5-17	X
Experience providing support to children aged 5-17 on a range of issues	X	X
Knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexual violence	X	X
Knowledge and understanding of the impact of sexual violence	X	X
Experience of working with victims of sexual violence	X	X
Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system	X	X
Experience of and ability to work pro-actively		X
High standards of practice and presentation of work	X
Able to prioritise own workload and deal with competing demands	X	X
Experience of working with a range of agencies	X
Knowledge of child protection issues and legislation	X	X
Understanding of gender equality duty	X
Understanding of the need to maintain personal records of clients	X
Proficient at using Information Technology including Windows, Microsoft Office, email and the Internet	X
Personal attributes
Ability to work on own initiative, in partnership and as part of a team	X
Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills	X	X
Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with colleagues	X
Ability to produce written and verbal reports	X
Understanding the need for professional confidentiality and its boundaries	X
Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice	X
Strong crisis management skills, methodical and well organised	X	X
Ability to work in an empathic manner, to maintain consistency and develop a rapport with service users	X	X
Special requirements
Eligible to work in the UK	X
An Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check	X
Willing to access training relating to duties	X
Full driving licence & access to own vehicle	X
Able to travel as required	X

Closing date: Monday 9th August 12 noon