Children and Young People Independent Sexual - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom - Axis Counselling

Description

Child and Young Person Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ChISVA)
Hours/ Location: 30 hours per week working across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin


Salary:
£23,056 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:
Ø Risk assess and help clients keep safe

Ø Identify support needs and provide direct support in the form of coping mechanisms and emotional support; or help clients access the services they require

Ø Help clients access their rights

Ø Provide support through the criminal justice system (if applicable)

Ø Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress

Ø Help clients cope and recover

Ø Emotionally support parents where appropriate.

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


This post has an Ethic Minorities specialism attached to it so experience of working within this hard to reach group, or knowledge of the barriers faced within this group would be advantageous.

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.

KEY TASKS
All clients

Ø Undertake needs and risk assessment with client/ parent

Ø Develop individual support plan to address risks/support needs of client

Ø 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

Ø 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

Ø Attend and participate in MARAC meetings.

Ø 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.

Ø Provide face to face support to clients and their supporters - this will include supporting the parent where appropriate

Ø Help develop clients' support network

Ø Explain criminal, legal and, if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients

Ø Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation

Ø Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client's situation

Ø Consider and respond to safeguarding issues

Ø 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
Ø Support clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.

Ø Support clients to report to the Police; and during the trial phase in conjunction with Witness Services (if applicable)

Ø 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.

Ø 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

Ø To ensure clients are given the opportunities they are entitled to in relation to accessing special measures


GENERAL
Ø Manage a caseload

Ø Maintain and monitor records of all cases

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

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

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

Ø 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.

Ø Any other duties the Manager considers appropriate.


PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
Ø Attend monthly line management supervision

Ø Attend monthly clinical supervision

Ø Identify and attend appropriate training opportunities


OTHER
Ø To produce written reports as required

Ø Any other duties as directed by your Line Manager


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 a