Independent Sexual Violence Advisor; ISVA

Go back Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 20 January 2026

My job makes lives better by providing support to young people who have been affected by sexual abuse/trauma. When young people disclose sexual abuse they often say they feel confused and worried about what is going to happen next. The ISVA aims to work alongside young people and their families to support and advise them as the investigation takes place. ISVA Service sits within Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust STARS service, which is a specialist community based mental health service for young people who have suffered sexual/abuse trauma.

ISVA Service is funded by the Ministry of Justice and the current funding for the service has been secured until March 2028. This post is a maternity cover post until 1st March 2027.

Offer one to one support and advice throughout the investigation - from attendance at the SARC to the end of the investigation or court process.

Work with young people and families to develop support plans and promote safety

Provide explanations of the investigation process and the criminal justice system

Act as a liaison person between families and agencies such as the police, education, CPS, Social Care, Youth Support Service, GUM services, the Witness Service and adult services

Help identify other avenues of support

Signpost and refer individual or group therapy through STARS as appropriate

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please see attached Job Description document for detailed job description, as it will provide full details of what is required of the role.

• Good standard of education, to degree level or similar work-based qualification
• Professional background:
  Family support worker, home link worker, school nurse, youth support worker, social worker, mental health practitioner
• ISVA qualification and/or CAADA qualification or desire to work toward

• At least three years direct work with children and young people
• Experience of working with young people who have been affected by sexual abuse
• Experience of multi- agency work
• Experience of working independently and as part of a team
• Experience of the criminal justice system.
• Experience of assessing mental health of children and young people

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.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Mindworks Specialist Services, Ramsay House

£40,617 to £48,778 a year per annum, pro rata, including HCAS

Fixed term

12 months

Full-time

-CYPS

Mindworks Specialist Services, Ramsay House