CHISVA - Children's Independent Sexual Violence Advisor

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, helping to keep them safe and guiding them on their path towards recovery? Join our dedicated and compassionate team as a Children's Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (CHISVA). In this role, you will provide high-quality, survivor-centred support to children and young people, helping them to increase their safety, navigate their options, and make informed choices about their future. Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, trauma-informed, survivor-centred support to children of all ages who have experienced sexual abuse of any kind and their parents/carers
• Carry out comprehensive risk assessments and safety planning
• Advocate on behalf of survivors with statutory and voluntary agencies, including police, social care, education, health and wellbeing services
• Support survivors or parents/carers to understand their options around criminal justice, civil remedies, housing, and welfare
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with GDPR, safeguarding, and organisational policies
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns involving adults and children, ensuring risks and actions are clearly communicated and followed up
• Build strong multi-agency relationships to improve outcomes and reduce risk for survivors
• Empower survivors to make informed choices and increase their safety and independence
Assist with service promotion at local events and other community locations

You will need to be a compassionate and resilient professional with:
• A minimum of an A level, NVQ3 or equivalent or a degree in a relevant subject
• An ISVA or CHISVA qualification (Desirable not essential, must be willing to complete relevant training
• Experience of working with survivors of sexual, domestic or other similar abuse or experience supporting vulnerable people
• Comprehensive knowledge of sexual abuse and exploitation, it's impact and relevant legislation
• Excellent communication, advocacy and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals
• Able to travel across Bedfordshire with access to own vehicle
We welcome applications from both qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) and individuals who may not yet hold the formal qualification but bring relevant experience supporting survivors of sexual abuse or other vulnerable groups. If you have a proven track record of supporting others, a strong understanding of safeguarding practices, and the ability to deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centred support, we would be delighted to hear from you. We recognise the value of lived and professional experience and are open to supporting the right candidate to achieve the ISVA qualification as part of the role. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship and can only accept applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK. As this role involves working with vulnerable members of society, this position will require an Enhanced Criminal Disclosure check and police vetting, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made.

At One YMCA, we are an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, welcoming the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We areThis is a Full Time role.Hours per week: 37.5Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm