Victim care officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• volunteering
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

Volunteering with an organisation that works with vulnerable people is a good way to get into this type of work. Charities like Victim Support offer different roles, depending on what you want to do. You can also search for volunteering opportunities in support work through Do It and NCVO .

To volunteer in a victim care role, you’ll need:

• to be 18 or over
• to be of good character
• a caring nature and non-judgemental attitude

As a volunteer, you'll receive training, which will help you to develop your communication and listening skills, as well as the knowledge and understanding required to support victims of crime.

You may need between 1 and 2 years' experience as a volunteer before being able to apply for paid work.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you have experience from related work, like:

• social services, working with vulnerable adults or children
• community or advice work
• counselling

Experience of working in the justice system, for instance with the police, courts or prisons, would also be useful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• to enjoy working with other people
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• a desire to help people
• administration skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Victim care officers give practical and emotional support to people who've been affected by crime.

As a victim care officer, you would:

• assess clients' needs and risks to their safety, and provide support
• advocate for your client at meetings or hearings
• support clients throughout the legal process
• help clients to work with all relevant services, including the police
• keep accurate records on a case management system
• train and supervise volunteers

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

30 - 37 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could become:

• a senior victim care officer, dealing with complex cases
• a unit or area manager, with responsibility for a number of centres, staff and volunteers
• an independent advocate specialising, for example, in working with victims of domestic abuse

You could also move into witness care, with a greater focus on the legal and judicial system.