Vacancy – Witness Care Officer (FTC)

JOB TITLE:  Witness Care Officer – FIXED TERM (up to 12 months)

Supervision and Control:  Team Leader

Place of Work:  Warwick House, Cliftonville, Northampton.  NN1 5BE

Hours of Work:  37 hours per week

Scale:  (4) £23,100 – 25,353

Job Duration:  Fixed term Contract up to 12 months

Closing Date:  31st March 2023

Interviews:  13th April 2023

Introduction

The Voice Witness Care Team provide a single point of contact for victim and witnesses involved in the Criminal Justice System.  In this rewarding role you will provide contact, primarily by telephone, to victims and witnesses of crime; offering support and guidance as you work to ensure witness attendance at court.

Job Description

You will be required to:

• Keep witnesses updated throughout the prosecution process by providing information and support.
• Ensure the attendance of witnesses at court by providing practical support, including travel arrangements, childcare, and other appropriate measures for those required to attend.
• Undertake initial witness contact by telephone and maintain regular direct contact to provide up-to-date and relevant information.
• Carry out appropriate needs assessment, record the results of the assessment and provide a tailored response to every victim and witnesses.
• Maintain accurate case management records using dedicated IT systems
• Facilitate referrals, where appropriate, to other service providers on behalf of the victim or witness.
• Develop productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, demonstrating an ability to work flexibly, using initiative where required and the ability to work within a team environment.
• Complete administrative tasks to ensure the efficient management of each case.
• Work in a fast-paced environment, adhering to deadlines and delivering results through effective planning and organisation of own workload, demonstrating the ability to prioritise and manage demands, even under pressure.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to change in the working environment by showing a willingness to adapt and be flexible in changing circumstances, seeking advice from others when change occurs and maintaining work standards as circumstances change.
• Have an appreciation of the importance of confidentiality and safe working practice.
• Demonstrate a level of awareness of equality and diversity issues appropriate to this role.
• Have excellent communication skills written and oral.
• Bring previous experience of working within a statutory, voluntary, community, private social care or customer service environment dealing with members of the public, successfully managing conflict.
• Provide assistance to other Voice teams upon reasonable request from management.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

1. Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, adhering to deadlines and delivering results through effective planning and organisation of own workload, demonstrating the ability to prioritise and manage demands, even under pressure.
2. Ability to cope with a demanding working environment and issues of a sensitive nature.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrating an ability to confidently relate to a broad spectrum of people in a tactful and sensitive manner.
4. Previous experience of working within a Customer Service environment dealing with members of the public, successfully managing conflict, difficult and sensitive situations.
5. Experience of diverse team working, demonstrated by an understanding how own objectives fit into team objectives. Builds effective working relationships with a flexible attitude to team roles.
6. Previous experience of administration, with the proven ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
7. Demonstrates sound problem-solving skills and ability to make appropriate judgments and decisions, offering practical ideas and innovative solutions but, knowing when to refer upwards for a decision.
8. Demonstrate the ability to respond to change in the working environment by showing a willingness to adapt and be flexible in changing circumstances.

Desired Criteria

• You will come with both an understanding and passion for supporting victims, witnesses, or other vulnerable client groups.
• Have an understanding of the impact of crime, with knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and relevant local agencies and resource.

Qualifications / Education

• GCSE grades A-C Math’s & English (or equivalent)
• Good knowledge and experience of IT based computer applications.

Travel

Travel may occasionally be required

Working Hours

Shift pattern basis of week one 8am to 4pm and week two 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:

The appointment will be fixed term for up to 12 months and subject to the conditions of service of Voice for Victims and Witnesses Ltd.

The annual leave entitlement is 25 days with an additional 5 days after 3 years continuous service.

Whilst the core base of work is clearly stated in this job description there may be occasions when flexibility is required to cover staff (leave or illness), or high caseloads, at another base in Northamptonshire.

The place of work is Warwick House in Northampton; however, flexible working is currently in place but is reviewed regularly by the CEO and is subject to the needs of the business.

What to include in your cover letter.

• In no more than 250 words, please provide details of your experience of working within a Customer Service or victim focused environment dealing with members of the public, successfully managing conflict, handling difficult or sensitive situations, or communicating with those who have experienced trauma.

• In no more than 250 words, please provide evidence of your suitability for this role based on the job description and person specification.

 Apply now