Hospital Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (HIDSVA)

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Blackpool Teaching Hospitals (BTH) Safeguarding Team as a Hospital Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (HIDSVA).

As a HIDSVA you will respond to disclosures of domestic abuse and sexual violence, complete appropriate risk assessments, develop initial safety and support plans, and signpost victims to relevant support services. 

The HIDSVA will continue to build on currently relationships with allied partners and stakeholders and attend multi-agency risk assessment conferences to share pertinent Health information and reduce the risk of harm for victims of domestic abuse.

A key aspect of the HIDSVA role is to educate and empower other BTH employees to recognise and respond appropriately to victims of domestic and sexual abuse. The HIDSVA will provide advice and guidance to health professionals involved in caring for victims of domestic or sexual abuse.

The HIDSVA will be involved in designing and delivering training packages that raise awareness of the domestic and sexual abuse safeguarding agenda and will collaborate in future projects to ensure pathways and policies support employees to recognise and respond effectively to disclosures and ensure victims receive support inline with best practice guidelines.

The successful candidate will receive regular opportunities for safeguarding supervision and continued professional development.

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• To operate within BTHFT frameworks adhering to the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Provide a trauma informed approach to support and safety planning for victim’s of sexual violence and domestic abuse, providing high quality face to face crisis intervention, information and advocacy support, risk management and safety planning, criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights and children’s legislation. 
• Participate and contribute to multi-agency working in respect of adults and children deemed to be at risk.
• Provide guidance and training about the role of the HIDSVA service and empower health professionals to recognise and respond to potential victims 
• Follow all local and national standards and procedures, particularly those relating to safe practice, confidentiality, and information sharing.
• Maintain accurate record keeping in patient records, and provide data as requested and contribute to audit and monitoring information. Making senior managers aware of any successes or escalate issue.
• Support colleagues, through peer supervision, and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, to provide the best possible service to victims of sexual and domestic violence.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering high standards to the service with an emphasis on quality at all times
• Demonstrate an ability to manage, over prolonged periods of time, emotionally demanding work that is frequently distressing and stressful.

Working for our organisation

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty five minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

As one of the United Kingdom’s largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents – it’s not just a good place to work; it’s a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.