CHISVA

Red Snapper Recruitment; Sandwell; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Wellbeing day

Employer pension 5%

Mileage allowance

Training & development

Employee Assistance Programme

Group supervision with counsellor

Leave buy-back

Staff away days

TOIL

Job summary

Red Snapper Recruitment LTD is recruiting for a Children's Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA) to support children and young people aged 5-18 across Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley. The role is office-based and not hybrid, with a 37.5-hour week.

The successful candidate will provide trauma-informed, age-appropriate support, work with families, and liaise with partner agencies, while handling safeguarding and court-related processes. A full UK driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• Experience safeguarding children and young people.
• Experience supporting ages 5-18.
• Experience managing caseloads with complex needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to children/young people who experienced sexual violence or abuse.
• Manage caseloads, risk & needs assessments, safeguarding, advocacy, planning & reviews.
• Support parents to understand trauma and strategies to help their children.
• Attend multi-agency CIN/TAF meetings.
• Support children engaging with the Criminal Justice System (interviews, court visits).
• Assist with CICA claims and Victims' Rights to Review processes.
• Maintain effective working relationships with external agencies and professionals.
• Facilitate group work and awareness sessions on trauma impact.
• Maintain accurate case records and reports.
• Safeguarding concerns identified, managed and escalated.

Skills

Caseload management

Multi-agency liaison

Trauma-informed practice

Communication skills

Child protection awareness

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

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.

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Essential Requirements

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.