Location: Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley
Salary: £25,282.44 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Contract: 12-month maternity cover
Please note: This is a female-only position under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The successful candidate must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.
We are currently recruiting for a Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA) to join a specialist Rape and Sexual Violence Service supporting children and young people across Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley.
This is an important frontline role providing specialist, trauma-informed support to children and young people aged 5–18 who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence. You will provide tailored, age-appropriate support to help children and young people navigate their experiences, understand the impact of trauma and begin their journey towards recovery.
You will also work closely with parents and guardians, helping them understand trauma-related behaviours and providing guidance on how best to support their children.
The successful candidate will be compassionate, empathetic and resilient, with excellent communication skills and experience supporting children and young people with complex needs.
This is an office-based position and is not eligible for hybrid working.
Provide high-quality, evidence-based and age-appropriate one-to-one support to children and young people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
Manage an allocated caseload, undertaking risk assessments, needs assessments, safeguarding, advocacy, support planning and case reviews.
Support parents and guardians to understand the impact of trauma and develop appropriate strategies to support their children.
Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, including Child in Need (CIN) and Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings.
Support children and young people engaging with the Criminal Justice System, including ABE interviews, pre-trial visits and court hearings.
Assist clients with Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims and Victims’ Right to Review processes.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies and professionals, making referrals and coordinating support where appropriate.
Facilitate group work and awareness sessions around the impact of trauma when required.
Maintain accurate case records, reports and administrative information.
Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, managed and escalated appropriately.
GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent).
Experience working with children and young people, including recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Experience managing a caseload and working with families with complex needs, including mental health and substance misuse.
Experience undertaking risk assessments and using appropriate interventions to identify and manage risk.
Experience working within a multi-agency environment and liaising with a range of professionals and stakeholders.
Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
Knowledge of safeguarding children, relevant legislation and good practice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and contributing to multi-agency meetings.
Ability to engage children and young people using creative and appropriate interventions.
A compassionate, non-judgemental and empowering approach when supporting victims and survivors.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and remain calm and resilient when dealing with distressing situations.
Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
Willingness to travel across Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley.
Flexibility to work outside normal office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, when required.
Enhanced DBS check will be undertaken.
Must be eligible to work in the UK.
25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays.
One additional wellbeing day (pro rata).
5% employer pension contribution.
Mileage allowance for work-related travel.
Training and development opportunities.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Group clinical supervision with a BACP-trained counsellor.
Annual leave buy-back scheme.
Bi-annual staff away days.
Time off in lieu (TOIL) when overtime is required.
If you have experience supporting children and young people, a strong understanding of safeguarding and a genuine passion for helping survivors of sexual violence, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV for consideration.