Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a RMN to work in a dynamic and challenging environment with survivors of rape and sexual assault. The role will enable the successful applicant to qualify as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor whilst utilising their mental health experience and knowledge. As a member of the Serenity SARC team the post holder will work to countywide and be innovative in development of this continuing role
Main duties of the job
To be part of a Ministry of Justice funded project for victims of Sexual Violence with Complex Needs.
To work within a multi-agency setting providing a pro-active support service to adult victims (male, female and transgender) of sexual violence as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor for those with complex needs. This will include supporting individuals of both recent and non-recent incidents through criminal justice processes if reported or outside if not reported. The role will lead on:
o Risk assess and help clients keep safe;
o Help clients access health and other services they require;
o Monitor and keep client informed of case progress;
o Provide support through the criminal justice system
o Provide specialist support across a number of complex needs
The post will be funded by Voice for Victims and Witness Service but seconded to NHFT Serenity SARC service. The successful applicant will be required to understand and operate within Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trusts organisation's policies, procedures and guidelines and work to the principles of equal opportunities.
About us
NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in both hospital settings and out in the community. Because we put the person at the centre of all we do, we focus on delivering care that is as easy to access as possible. This means many of our services can be provided at home, work or in schools.We also provide health services to various prisons and detention centres in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
NHFT promotes a culture of learning to improve the care and safety of our patients and staff, which focuses on people who enable our Trust to be 'outstanding' by supporting opportunity, innovation, development and growth.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to manage and lead a caseload of victims assessed as having complex needs that will vary during the year, depend on local circumstances and be based on different levels of support required, ranging from minimal telephone contact to the full range of support.
The post holder will be expected to work with current ISVA staff to identify victims with complex or additional needs who require a different approach by:
- Undertaking a risk assessment and support a needs analysis with a client.
- Taking the lead on cases assessed by the risk assessment and support needs analysis as having complex needs in the following areas:
Mental Health
Substance Misuse
Provide specialist support delivering an individual service plan to address risks/support needs of each client.
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 (Sunflower Service).
- Attend and participate in MARAC meetings.
- Will required to advise & enable clients to access services to which they are entitled. The post holder will be expected to use the Serenity fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services and referrals to mental health services, local counselling organisations, and other specialist services, assisting with the arrangement of child care and return to work.
- Will be expected to re-contact all clients referred to the service, if possible, within 48 hours of initial attendance for forensic examination or support, and subsequently as necessary until other support is identified or at the clients request. (If the police have already made a referral to victim support services under Victims Code of Practice, liaise with relevant victim agency re contact and the needs and risk assessment).
- Will provide specialist support face to face and via telephone support (non therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate around the complex needs identified. The post holder must have excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills where there may be barriers to communication.
- Will help clients develop their own support network
- Will explain and advise on criminal/ legal, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
- Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
- Consider safeguarding issues where they have been assaulted in a domestic setting and follow safeguarding policies and information sharing protocols and refer to service manager.
- If the client reports to the Police
Support the client through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
Subject to local arrangements and the views of the client, support the client in the witness statement and during the trial phase in conjunction with Witness Services.
Liaise with the police (direct request must have occurred) and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the client, with the clients consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information. If local protocols are agreed to keep the victim informed about case progress on behalf of the police (Witness Care Unit) in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister
Understand the need for some clients accessing special measures and advocate on their behalf where necessary in relation to their provision.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to manage and lead a caseload of victims assessed as having complex needs that will vary during the year, depend on local circumstances and be based on different levels of support required, ranging from minimal telephone contact to the full range of support.
The post holder will be expected to work with current ISVA staff to identify victims with complex or additional needs who require a different approach by:
- Undertaking a risk assessment and support a needs analysis with a client.
- Taking the lead on cases assessed by the risk assessment and support needs analysis as having complex needs in the following areas:
Mental Health
Substance Misuse
Provide specialist support delivering an individual service plan to address risks/support needs of each client.
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 (Sunflower Service).
- Attend and participate in MARAC meetings.
- Will required to advise & enable clients to access services to which they are entitled. The post holder will be expected to use the Serenity fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services and referrals to mental health services, local counselling organisations, and other specialist services, assisting with the arrangement of child care and return to work.
- Will be expected to re-contact all clients referred to the service, if possible, within 48 hours of initial attendance for forensic examination or support, and subsequently as necessary until other support is identified or at the clients request. (If the police have already made a referral to victim support services under Victims Code of Practice, liaise with relevant victim agency re contact and the needs and risk assessment).
- Will provide specialist support face to face and via telephone support (non therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate around the complex needs identified. The post holder must have excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills where there may be barriers to communication.
- Will help clients develop their own support network
- Will explain and advise on criminal/ legal, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
- Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
- Consider safeguarding issues where they have been assaulted in a domestic setting and follow safeguarding policies and information sharing protocols and refer to service manager.
- If the client reports to the Police
Support the client through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
Subject to local arrangements and the views of the client, support the client in the witness statement and during the trial phase in conjunction with Witness Services.
Liaise with the police (direct request must have occurred) and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the client, with the clients consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information. If local protocols are agreed to keep the victim informed about case progress on behalf of the police (Witness Care Unit) in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister
Understand the need for some clients accessing special measures and advocate on their behalf where necessary in relation to their provision.
Person Specification
Understanding
Essential
- Understanding the impact of rape and sexual assault to survivors
Outlined
Essential
- Registered Practitioner
- Autonomous Practice
- Full driving license and access to vehicle
Desirable
- Previous work with survivors
- Knowledge of third sector
- Knowledge of SARC and its function
Person Specification
Understanding
Essential
- Understanding the impact of rape and sexual assault to survivors
Outlined
Essential
- Registered Practitioner
- Autonomous Practice
- Full driving license and access to vehicle
Desirable
- Previous work with survivors
- Knowledge of third sector
- Knowledge of SARC and its function
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
