Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (Female Applicants Only)

Starting salary of £30,000 per annum | Full-time (35 hours per week) | Permanent

These posts will be based in various West London locations (primarily Ealing) and will also involve some community based and remote working dependent on client, service delivery and organisational requirements

About us

Women and Girls Network (WGN) was established in 1987 and has spent over 30 years supporting women and girls across London affected by gendered violence. This includes childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, prostitution (including trafficking and sexual exploitation), female genital mutilation (FGM), and so-called ‘honour’ based crimes such as forced marriage.

About the role

Due to additional funding, Women and Girls Network (WGN) is now seeking various additional Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVA) to join our team of ISVAs at the West London Rape Crisis Centre. There are three opportunities within the ISVA service; we are hoping to recruit a Black Women’s ISVA and two generic ISVAs. When applying, please see the related application packs and indicate which role/s you would like to be considered for

Our team of ISVAs provide high quality, specialist support to women in London who have experienced any form of sexual violence and are engaging (or considering engaging) with the criminal justice system. 

About you

The ideal post holders will be experienced in working within a multi-agency framework to provide direct and dedicated advocacy support to women. If you have the proven ability of supporting women to access the advocacy, support and services they need including routes to accessing justice and are passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse, then we would love to hear from you. We’re seeking ISVAs who will thrive in a multi-cultural feminist environment. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have experience of working with one or more of the following: 

• Women and girls from Black, Minority, and Global Majority communities – ensuring that issues related to diversity and identity are effectively understood and sensitively worked with

• Women and girls with mental health presentations including high risk and multiple needs

• Experience of supporting survivors through the criminal justice process from report to court and post-trial as necessary

• Experience of working from a multidisciplinary approach – supporting and advocating for survivors to access the services they require including forensic medical examination, therapeutic support, sexual health, housing and mental health services

• The ability to offer effective short term and longer-term support and interventions

How to apply

Please visit our website to download an application pack. Completed application form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms should be submitted by 9am on Monday 30th September 2024.

Interview details

Interviews are expected to take place in person in the week commencing Monday 7th October 2024, however, please note that dates may be subject to change.

Further Information

This post is subject to satisfactory references, social media screening and a DBS check.

WGN’s employee benefits include: 3% pension contribution, enhanced leave entitlement and an Employee Assistance Programme, as well as the opportunity to work with a leading multi-cultural, women-led feminist charity.

We welcome and encourage applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic communities.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer. Posts are exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.