Level 3 - Experienced Worker
SVPP and SVP agencies all have their own structures and pathways which turn a ‘new worker’ into an ‘experienced worker’. An agency might also need to recruit someone from outside into a role requiring a higher level of expertise and skills than a new entry-level worker. Becoming and developing as an experienced worker will ideally encompass all the capabilities in this section, but it may be beyond an agency’s resources and abilities to provide a comprehensive support programme in-house. However, the list that follows may be useful to help individual workers identify further professional development, tertiary study they might want to pursue, or may help an agency identify current knowledge and skill gaps within their organisation.
Treaty-Based relationships with Tangata Whenua
An experienced worker demonstrates:
the ability to sustain the integrity of Treaty-based relationships in different contexts
the ability to identify limitations of Eurocentric models and principles of practice and the need for Kaupapa Māori services and SVPP and SVP activities
examples of good practice in line with the principles in of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in SVPP and SVP work
appropriate kawa and Tikanga behaviours within the context of their service, and the ability to mentor and support new workers in developing these behaviours
a high level analysis of the complexities of power, authority, and privilege within the context of Aotearoa-New Zealand
a commitment to organisational Te Tiriti o Waitangi policies
Specialist knowledge about the dynamics, impact and prevention of sexual violence
An experienced worker demonstrates:
a high level ability to describe, discuss and engage with SVPP and SVP work as a major social and health problem including:
the dynamics of sexual violence, risk factors for perpetration and victimisation, root causes of sexual violence, the significance of cultural differences to inform SVPP and SVP activities
the impact of sexual violence, barriers to seeking help, how trauma impacts on individuals, and knowledge of a variety of recovery models
the current legal, crisis and long-term recovery support for people affected by sexual violence
the social and cultural determinants behind rigid gender norms, and how promoting diverse gender expressions contributes to SVPP and SVP activities a high level ability to access, interpret, use and present data about sexual violence including:
identifying ethical and legal issues involved in the collection and use of quantitative and qualitative forms of data
providing examples of how the data is used in constructing and/or evaluating SVPP and SVP activities,
a high level ability to design and implement SVPP and SVP activities by
describing various levels of prevention activities
describing how they can focus on an individual, a community and public policy
the ability to identify SVPP and SVP opportunities using conceptual models (e.g. 12-point Smallbone model, Socioecological model, Kaupapa Māori methodology)
the ability to give examples of interventions that use education/behaviour change, legislation/enforcement to prevent sexual violence, and can describe how they work together to create a comprehensive SVPP and SVP initiative
a high level ability to support change related to SVPP and SVP through policy, enforcement, advocacy and education by:
identifying potential partners and opponents when influencing change within a community,
describing the use of models (e.g. Community Readiness, Diffusion of Innovation) and how they stimulate change related to SVPP and SVP
describing the role of the media and other communication channels in public education, and how to use these channels to shape public opinion about SVPP and SVP
using community partnerships, research and evaluation to develop culturally appropriate SVPP and SVP activities
a high level ability to use knowledge about human development (including brain development), how trauma can impact on the brain and development, normal sexual development in children etc. to inform SVPP and SVP activities
a high level ability to talk with ease about topics that are related to sex, sexual violence, sexual health and healthy relationships
Empowering and collaborative practices
An experienced worker demonstrates:
a high level ability to build appropriate working relationships and professional boundaries with colleagues, communities and groups, across a range of settings
a high level of engagement with target groups, using participatory teaching methods, modelling consent and relating respectfully
a high level ability to use different styles and models that support participatory learning
a high level ability to run skills-based learning that supports behaviour change
the ability to explain why children at different ages and stages, and people with diverse abilities have specific and different learning needs
the ability to distinguish between facilitating an education group, a focus group and a consultation meeting a high level ability to create safe learning environments using facilitation, co-facilitation, communication skills and by projecting a calm, confident and positive persona
a high level ability to support, mentor and coach new workers involved in SVPP and SVP activities (e.g. using strengths based feedback, role coaching)
The welfare and wellbeing of participants is paramount
An experienced worker demonstrates:
a high level ability to explain confidentiality to participants and work within its limits
a high level ability to access local specialist sexual violence support services, and describe what support is available to people who have experienced or perpetrated sexual harm
a high level ability to access local services relevant to the population group where the service or activity is taking place
give appropriate responses to disclosures that arise during a sexual violence prevention activity, and show that they can assess the person’s needs and potential risk. This includes one-on-one and group settings. Where appropriate, they facilitate access to ongoing support following disclosures from survivors/victims, people with HSB and other violent behaviour, and people struggling with other emotional issues (including self-harm and suicidal ideation)
that they recognise different emotional states within a group setting and manage them to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants
that they can maintain clear professional boundaries
a high level ability to talk with ease about topics that are related to sexual violence, family violence, violence within whānau, sexual health and intimate partner violence
Culturally informed and inclusive practices
An experienced worker can:
demonstrate a high level ability in identifying the limitations of Eurocentric models and principles of practice, and the need for culturally specific services and SVPP and SVP activities
describe and explain the need for, and demonstrate the use of, culturally informed sexual violence prevention activities
describe and explain social constructs and historical contexts that inform power and privilege relevant to sexual violence prevention
demonstrate high level awareness of their own culture, power and privilege. They can explain how that might impact on others and explain cultural sensitivities, paradigms and identities when discussing topics like sex and sexual violence at a sophisticated level
demonstrate a high level ability of cultural responsiveness and behave appropriately in different cultural settings
demonstrate a high level ability to gather appropriate information before engaging with a community - knowing who to ask and how
Sustainable practices and ongoing professional-personal development
An experienced worker can:
accept regular supervision and feedback from peers and managers, and participates in professional and personal development
demonstrate a high level ability to set boundaries for themselves and seeks help when required
demonstrate a high level ability to create a ‘self-care’ routine and develop a ‘community of care’ to sustain and maintain their own wellbeing.