Job Description
Job title: / Sexual Violence Outreach Worker
Scale:
Hours: / Scale 4 – 19 - £17, 802
18.5 hours (fixed-term post until 30/9/15 with a possible extension, subject to further funding)
Responsible to: / Sexual Violence Service Manager
Liaison/ communication: /
  • The post holder will work within a multi agency setting and communicate regularly with other agencies.
  • The post holder will communicate internally with all members of the FreeVA team, and report regularly to the SV Service Manager.
  • The post holder will represent FreeVA at various meetings or forums as deemed appropriate by the Service Manager.

Main purposes of the post

a)To provide pro-active support to victims of rape and sexual assault. Support includes ongoing emotional and practical support, safety planning and support programmes.

b)To provide support on the sexual violence helpline.

Main duties

Advocacy Support

a)Work within a multi-agency setting to provide institutional advocacy for the rights of the client.

b)To undertake risk assessments and safety planning for victims/survivors of sexual violence.

c)Manage a caseload and maintain necessary case files and records including using Modus database to report all support activity and monitoring information as required

d)To refer clients to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) if reported to the police or assessed as high risk

e)To carry out referral assessments and signpost to relevant specialist agencies

f)To provide support in various locations to increase accessibility and engagement of SV services.

g)Providing face to face and telephone support (non therapeutic) to clients and their supporters.

h)Developindividual safety plans with clients to help them address the risk factors and develop their own support network

i)To establish, maintain and provide appropriate proactive support for victims/survivors of sexualviolence that keeps the safety of the service-users central to all processes

j)Explaining criminal sanctions, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients

k)Providing information and applying for Criminal Injuries Compensation

l)To encourage the growth in the self confidence of the service-users by linking them in with other specific services providing opportunities for participation in groups, classes, courses and counseling services

m)To offer support, information and assistance on accessing specialist agencies including emergency accommodation,options appraisal, liaison with other agencies, and providing support and advocacy through civil and criminal justice processes and support to access welfare and housing rights

n)To continue to develop effective partnership working with other service providers, maintain a network of sexual violence services.

o)To implementsupport programmesfor survivors/victims of sexual violence.

p)Where relevant (e.g. domestic violence cases), keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

q)Consider child protection issues when engaging with clients assaulted in a domestic setting, and follow child protection policies. Act in accordance with local Safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable adults and children.

r)To work closely with other providers to ensure the right support is in place for clients.

Sexual Violence helpline

s)To provide helpline support on the sexual violence helpline, including mentoring support to a team of helpline volunteers

t)To support the Service Manager in the delivery of the helpline volunteering training as and when required

u)Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation of all calls.

v)To carry out referral assessments and ensure access to referral pathways

w)To promote the help-line as widely as possible

Other

a)To deliver and attend publicity events to promote volunteering at FreeVA as well as the promoting FreeVA services

b)Deliver sexual violence training and awareness raising sessions.

c)To ensure the SV outreach page on FreeVA website is regularly updated.

d)Provide statistical and other reports for Chief Executive and Funders.

e)Prepare reports for monitoring and evaluation of services.

f)Keep up to date with developments in the sexual violence field.

g)Attend regular line management, team meetings and clinical supervision sessions

h)Provide ad hoc sickness and annual leave cover for the business line, as required.

i)Undertake any training relevant to the post

j)Attend and contribute to board meetings as required.

k)Participate in the development of policy, strategies and working practices.

l)Conduct all work in a way which reflects the aims and principles of FreeVA and promotes anti-oppressive practice.

m)To undertake such other duties as may be required by the Chief Executive from time to time, but which will be consistent with the role

x)

Person Specification
Area / Criteria / Assessed by
Qualifications / Essential
A degree or recognised professional qualification in a related field (or alternatively a minimum of 2 years experience of working within the sexual violence field).
Desirable
ISVA accredited training or equivalent professional qualification / Application
Application
Work Experience / Knowledge / Essential
  • An understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence, including knowledge of impact of sexual violence on victims and children and of current legislation and good practice.
  • Understanding of associated support needs of victims who have experienced sexual violence
  • A minimum of two-year work experience in the field of working with victims of sexual violence.
  • Understanding of safeguarding protocols including child protection issues and legal responsibilities.
  • Experience of monitoring and evaluation.
  • Understanding of the Criminal and Civil Justice System and the agencies involved
  • Experience of working within multi-agency networks and settings
Desirable
  • Understanding of the Victims Code of Practice Knowledge of Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)
  • Knowledge of Special Domestic Violence Court (SDVC)
  • Understanding of ethical issues as defined by BACP/other relevant accredited body
  • Knowledge of benefits and housing/homelessness issues
  • Experience of working within drugs, alcohol, mental health and immigration issues.
  • Experience of the process of applying for funding or involvement in service development work
  • Experience in delivery of training.
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Personal Attributes / Essential
  • Demonstrable crisis management skills and proven case management skills
  • Empathetic for victims of sexual violence and a desire to work alongside them to assist in their recovery
  • Motivated and enthusiastic; and proven ability to work as part of a busy and challenging environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening and communication abilities to support distressed service users, both over the phone and face to face.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear well-structured professional reports and case notes
  • Ability to operate a high degree of confidentiality and accountability
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines and to take responsibility for meeting agreed targets
  • Ability to work in partnership and as part of a team towards a common objective,
  • Ability to work on own initiative, be proactive and able to take responsibility for actions.
  • Ability to demonstrate commitment to multi-agency partnership working work
  • Commitment to continuing professional development.
  • Ability to self evaluate and reflect on practice
  • Ability to recognise discrimination and anti-oppressive practices, in its various forms, and to take appropriate action
  • Demonstrable understanding of diversity, equal opportunity and gender equality issues
  • Ability to resolve conflict with/between service users, colleagues and other agencies.
  • Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries.
  • Willingness to undertake training.
  • Willingness to accommodate occasional unsociable hours (evenings and weekends).
Desirable
  • Ability to speak one or more of the following languages: Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi
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IT skills / Essential
Computer literate, including Microsoft office competent / Application
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