Sexual Assault Advocate

NHS; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community interest organization in Suffolk is seeking Sexual Assault Advocates to offer trauma-informed support for individuals affected by sexual assault. The role involves working closely with clients to develop individualized support plans, ensuring their experiences are at the center of the solution. Qualifications include prior experience in supportive roles and a diploma in any subject, with a strong emphasis on compassion and adaptability. Candidates are encouraged to apply with details about their relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with groups and individuals facing anxiety or challenges.
• Experience in environments where trauma affects engagement.
• Evidence of self-developmental learning in sexual assault or trauma.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize support for individuals experiencing trauma.
• Be the single point of contact for clients within a defined caseload.
• Facilitate personalized support based on client's goals.

Skills

Experience in trauma-informed support

Ability to work with diverse individuals

Strong communication skills

Compassion and versatility

Education

Diploma or higher award in any subject

Proficient level of written English/reading to GCSE standards

Job description

Iris is a community- based initiative that focuses on recovery and resilience building for individuals affected by trauma from sexual assault. Using a unique holistic model, our Sexual Assault Advocates (SAAs) provide our clients one to one, and peer group support, assist with recovery and resilience programmes, and contribute to various therapeutic activities the users of the service identify as beneficial.The service seeks to break the intrinsic link between trauma and impaired physical health, as well as addressing the impact trauma can have on various aspects of an individuals life.Iris does not provide therapy or counselling, clients requiring this assistance will be referred or signposted to the relevant service, but may receive Iris support in conjunction with therapy.Support commences with an assessment of the clients needs, including an exploration to identify any potential links between an individuals chronic conditions, and the trauma they have experienced from sexual assault.Individuals will then be supported in their recovery by a named Sexual Support Advocate (SAA).The Sexual Assault Advocate (SAA) will be responsible for the planning and organising of an individualised support plan that meets the clients goals. Our Sexual Assault Advocates also support individuals who have indirectly been affected by sexual assault, such as family, friends or partners of someone who has been assaulted Iris is available to all.

Main duties of the job

The Sexual Assault Advocate (SAA) will be responsible for the planning and organising of support to individuals who have experienced trauma from sexual assault at any time in their lives.

The SAA will be the single point of contact for individuals within a defined caseload. Together with the individual, the SAA will explore what support and recovery looks like to each person they hold responsibility for. The individual accessing support remains the guiding factor at all times, with the SAA, using the resources and knowledge at their disposal, facilitating the means to assist their progress.

About us

Suffolk GP Federation CIC is a not-for-profit community interest company. Our main purpose is to support Primary Care across Suffolk including support with working collaboratively and at scale. We also deliver a portfolio of NHS services across Suffolk and North East Essex, including Podiatry, Ultrasound, Diabetes, as well as urgent Care Services including the Out of Hours face-to-face Service in Suffolk.

Job responsibilities

Are you compassionate, versatile, approachable and experienced in providing trauma-informed support?

Iris is recruiting further Sexual Assault Advocates (SAAs) to accommodate new referrals into our service.

Iris works holistically, addressing physical and psychological health, social and relationship interactions, finance, housing, benefits and whatever else challenges an individuals capacity to build resilience and recover from sexual assault.

Iris recognises that trauma from sexual assault can affect more than just the individual it happened to. Iris will therefore support anyone affected by sexual assault, even if it was not themselves that experienced it. Iris supports all ages and all genders.

Our clients are diverse in their needs and we need advocates who can accommodate this.

If you want to work with a progressive team in a support role that allows you to put the client at the centre of everything you do, assisting the client to explore their strengths and how they can build their future, Iris would like to hear from you.

Iris would like you to provide details of your experience, including examples of employed and/or volunteer roles. We want to hear why you have chosen to work in the field of sexual assault and why you will be a good match for Iris clients.

Lived experience is as valuable as learned experience, so it is not essential to have qualifications related to trauma from sexual assault. Our advocates come from various backgrounds and each brings a quality that enhances the overall service we provide.

Please apply by providing a summary of your experience and why you are suited to Iris (maximum 1000 words).

We want to hear why you have chosen to work in the field of sexual assault and why you will be a good match for Iris clients.

What skills can you bring to Iris?

Demonstrate your qualities and how you have utilised them to assist others who have experienced trauma.

How can Iris support your own development?

Do you have ideas about how individuals who have experienced trauma, may benefit from a skill you dont yet have? Iris would like to explore how this can be achieved and implemented within our service.

Are you able to travel across Suffolk?

Being a driver with access to a vehicle enables our advocates to support our clients in their preferred location.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Interviews will be held in Ipswich on the 3 and 6 of October at a venue to be confirmed.

Person Specification

Experience , Education and Qualification

• Experience of working with groups and individuals who may be anxious or have challenges such as adverse mental health, neuro-diversity, cultural restrictions in accessing support, or English as a second language.
• Experience of working in an environment where anxiety and/or trauma may affect the individuals capacity to engage with professionals.
• Evidence of self-developmental learning within the fields of sexual assault, trauma or VAWG.
• Proficient level of written English/reading to GCSE standards.
• Experience of working within a sexual violence or related field.
• Diploma or higher award in any subject.

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.