Sexual Abuse Victim Advisor-police Staff - West Midlands, United Kingdom - West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police

Verified Company

West Midlands, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Job Title-Sexual Abuse Victim Advisor****Grade/Salary

5 £27,690£31,434**
Closing Date19th July 2023

FTC-12 MONTHS
The purpose of the SAVA role is to improve service delivery to victims of Rape and serious sexual offences. They will enhance confidence in the policing and partner response to rape and facilitate improved access to therapeutic support. The post holder will assist in communicating updates to the most vulnerable rape victims.

They will ensure victims have the information they need to consider the range of services available which can best support them through their trauma.

The SAVA will obtain real time victim feedback to drive service improvement.

The SAVA will support Victims and Witnesses on their journey through the Criminal Justice system by providing updates as well as assessing and acting on witness needs to facilitate attendance at court so that witnesses can give their best evidence and achieve justice.

Principal responsibilities will include:

Engagement with victims at an early stage to explain and improve understanding of criminal justice processes.
Professionalise referral process to ISVA service providers and ensure better communication with the appointed ISVA throughout the investigation.
Consider wider referrals into SARC, mental health, sexual health and any other relevant nongovernment support services.
To support Victims and Witnesses on their journey through the criminal Justice system post charge by providing updates as well as assessing and acting on witness needs to facilitate attendance at court so that witnesses can give their best evidence and achieve justice
Provide Victims and Witnesses with a single point of contact following report of RASSO
Provide coordinated practical help and support to all victims and witnesses to develop their understanding of the criminal justice system and facilitate their attendance at court
To receive referrals from officers and other agencies who have identified victims and witnesses as priority and in need of enhanced services.
To identify victims and witnesses who are vulnerable, intimidated or priority and ensure enhanced services are provided.
To refer victims and witnesses to partner agencies where appropriate so that services can be tailored to the needs of the individual and respond to any feedback received from those agencies.
Identify any concerns or barriers that may be affecting attendance at court and problem solve with the victim or witness to achieve attendance.
Offer and coordinate the opportunity for victims to make or update their Victim Personal Statement.
To convince fearful or intimidated witnesses to attend court.
Provide advice and guidance about the workings of the criminal justice system.
Respond to general enquiries from victims and witnesses regarding the progress of their case; tailoring style of communication and frequency of communication to the needs of the individual.
To highlight victim and witness needs to the OIC for consideration by Crown Prosecution service.
Provide updates in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice and Witness Charter.
To ensure that victim and witness confidentiality is maintained and updates are provided to appropriate parties in line with data protection principles.
To record all contact and progress on a case via the Connect system.
Take a victim's personal statement over the phone
To undertake any other task commensurate with this grade

Essential

Experience of working in a customer service delivery environment and understanding of trauma associated with exposure to sexual offending
Experience of maintaining accurate records with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Working knowledge of confidentiality and data protection issues
Experience of developing positive and strong relationships with victims, internal and external stakeholders
Basic investigation skills
Influencing skills
Decision making skills
Personal resilience
Experience of managing own workload and using initiative
Inquisitive, flexible and adaptable. Able to learn new processes and systems quickly and effectively.
Able to work effectively as part of a team and deliver results in a highly pressured environment.
IT literate, including the effective use of MS Office.

Desirable:

Have knowledge or experience of criminal investigations or working in criminal justice services.
Working knowledge of the Connect and Control Works IT systems.

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical

Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Hours of Work flexibility
Cover is required between 8am and 4pm,