Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual to join us to further develop a new service within the Trust Safeguarding team for victims of sexual violence and/or domestic abuse. We are recruiting for an Independent Sexual Violence Worker (ISVA) / Independent Domestic Violence Worker (IDVA) to work with our established hospital ISVA and also to support the domestic abuse agenda across the organisation.
With an excellent understanding of delivering needs-led and trauma sensitive services, the ISVA / IDVA will provide life-changing support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
Applications are welcome from individuals who are trained ISVAs/ IDVAs or equivalent experience.
This is a full-time post with a fixed term contract until March 2025.
*Interviews will take place W/C 8th July*
Main duties of the job
The ISVA / IDVA will work closely with the Trust employed ISVA holding a caseload which includes supporting survivors from hard-to-reach groups and providing individual support which will vary from client to client. This includes providing them with the right information so that they can make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, safety and whether to seek justice through the criminal justice system.
The postholder will also work closely with the hospital based IDVAs employed by Refuge to ensure patients who are or at risk of domestic abuse are identified and supported. A duty of this role will be to support and educate staff around domestic abuse and sexual violence
About us
There has never been a more exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust! Major redevelopment works are planned as part of the New Hospital Programme. These will be most dramatic at Watford General Hospital where up to 90% of buildings will be new.
The trust has recently gained 'teaching hospital' status which reflects the dedicated work of many teams and individuals who have set the standard for delivering high quality training, learning and education at all levels of the workforce.
We are a flexible working employer
At West Herts we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly. We are delighted to offer a variety of flexible working options for all staff. Please check out our web page for more information.
https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking/
We encourage and welcome people with disabilities. If you need help, please ask.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The ISVA/IDVA will work directly with victims and survivors in the hospital, both patients and staff, providing emotional and practical support and information for recent and non-recent rape and sexual violence and/or domestic abuse and enabling victims and survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse they have experienced.
The ISVA / IDVA will also work with clinical staff providing teaching and education to support the recognition, care and management of victims of abuse who are patients in the Trust.
For further information please contact Bonita Sparkes Named Nurse Safeguarding Adults 07341866225
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Accredited ISVA training or a relevant degree/professional qualification plus willingness to undertake accredited ISVA training.
- Experience of multi-agency partnership working.
- Experience of risk assessment & management and safety planning
- Knowledge of safeguarding
- Experience of managing small teams OR demonstrable transferable skills and experience in order to lead and manage a small team.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Working knowledge of policy, legislation, and services relevant to survivors of sexual violence, including the criminal justice system
- Working knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practice.
- An understanding and awareness of the impact of gender and sexual identity on the experience of surviving sexual violence
- Knowledge around safeguarding frameworks for children and adults
- Knowledge around consent and confidentiality in a health care setting
- Knowledge of the legal framework around domestic abuse
Desirable
- Knowledge of local services to support patients who have experienced sexual violence. Knowledge around Mental Capacity framework and mental health issues
- A clear understanding of the barrier's men and nonbinary people from diverse community's face in disclosing sexual violence and accessing support.
- Knowledge around Mental Capacity framework and mental health issues
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working as an ISVA
- Experience of multiagency working such as working with police, SARCs, safeguarding services
- Experience of attending MARAC
Desirable
- Knowledge around Mental Capacity framework and mental health issues
- A clear understanding of the barrier's men and nonbinary people from diverse community's face in disclosing sexual violence and accessing support.
- Knowledge around Mental Capacity framework and mental health issues
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .
Employer details
Employer name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB