Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Crisis Worker - Band 5

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Gloucestershire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is based at Hope House Sexual Health Clinic.

We are looking for a caring and motivated individual to join our team as an in- hours Crisis Worker (22.5 hours Monday to Friday 9-5pm). The post holder will also be available, on a adhoc basis, for on call duties out of hours.

The post holder will receive and respond to telephone enquiries, via the SARC 24-hour advice line. They will provide support to victims of sexual abuse; as well as to their friends and family. They will carry out assessments and refer on to appropriate support agencies.

• To join our team of Crisis Workers to provide 24-hour support to victims of sexual abuse; who may or may not wish to make a report to the police.
• To provide support and information, both in person and over the phone, to enable victims to make informed decisions in relation to medical care, forensic examination and police involvement.
• To inform victims about the self-referral service and the choices available; ensuring that they are supported and informed in a sensitive and appropriate way.
• To advocate for the victim when needed, ensuring that their dignity, wishes and beliefs are respected and that they are involved in a shared decision-making process. This will include liaising with the Police and third-party organisations.
• To know and understand the processes and procedures involved in attending the SARC and to explain these clearly to the victim in order to gain informed consent for examination.
• To offer a welcoming, safe and confidential environment for the victim and their families, attending the centre.
• To provide support to the Sexual Offences Examiner, during the Forensic Medical Examination.
• To forensically clean the examination suite to maintain the forensic integrity of the SARC

The post holder will act as an advocate for clients attending the centre; empowering them to feel in control and where applicable, supporting them during the forensic examination process. The post holder will ensure a standard of DNA decontamination between forensic cases.

Please refer to the Additional Information attachment before submitting your application

The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Closing date: 19th February 2023