Victim and Witness Care Officer - Guildford, United Kingdom - Adecco UK

Adecco UK
Adecco UK
Verified Company
Guildford, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description
We are currently recruiting for Victim and Witness Care Officers to work for Surrey Police.


This role will be a hybrid working role and be based out of Guildford Police Station covering the hours of 8am to 7pm 36 hours a week Monday to Friday.


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Act as a single point of contact for victims and witnesses including professional witnesses
  • Provide practical advice to victims and witnesses, give support and assist victims in the cope and recover phases of their experience
  • Ensure that case updates are maintained to the highest standard and kept up to date at all times, with a record of every incoming and outgoing communication on each case, detailing decision making and identifying vulnerabilities of individuals and risks to the effectiveness of the case
  • Respond promptly to enquiries from victims, witnesses to assist with concerns and reduce any negative effects of their victim experience or their Criminal Justice experience as much as possible
  • Advise victims of the support services available to them and give advice on suitability of these, referring as necessary and making contact with support services as appropriate
  • Liaise with and respond to and queries from partner agencies such as external support agencies, CPS and court officials to assist with the smooth progression of the case
  • Undertake an initial and ongoing needs assessment along with effective questioning to victims and witnesses in order to identify their needs and support them through the judicial process where relevant. Ascertain the need for special measures and relevant support options and assist them with practical and emotional arrangements after completion of the needs assessment such as arranging childcare, arranging interpreters, liaising with employers and assisting with travel arrangements
  • Ensure that all victims are offered the opportunity to make a Victim Personal Statement and that they are given a full explanation about the purpose of this and their rights under The Victims Code of Practice
  • Support victims and witnesses in attending court, ensure the consequences of nonattendance at court are understood and explain the consequences of communicating hidden barriers which prevent court attendance at short notice
  • Court warn and coordinate the attendance of required witnesses to court as directed by the Crown Prosecution Service. Negotiate and persuade those victims and witnesses who are reluctant or in fear, in order to achieve a successful outcome at court. Proactively deal with any issues which arise and communicate promptly to the CPS when there has been a refusal to attend court by a victim or witness and take responsibility for issuing court witness summonses within set timescales and guidelines
  • Responsible for prioritisation of own workload and effective time management in order to ensure the needs of the victim, witness and criminal justice partners are met. Ensure own knowledge and expertise is maintained and developed in relation to criminal justice legislation, policy and initiatives, particularly with regard to victim and witness care
  • Establish and build working relationships with police colleagues and appropriate partner agencies in both formal and informal interactions in order to achieve the highest standard of service and support for victims and witnesses, ensure the best progression of the case and identify any issues which could impact on the victims and witnesses promptly
  • When required, coach and train new members of staff in aspects of the Victim and Witness Officer role
  • Be flexible in approach and adapt to the changing demands of the Victim and Witness Care Unit, legislation and technology
  • Maintain awareness of support services available to victims and witnesses and ensure current understanding of how external organisations can assist victims and witnesses
  • Contribute to the implementation of initiatives within the Victim and Witness Care Unit, proactively suggest ideas in order to improve the experience of, and service provided to, victims and witnesses and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and performance
  • Responsible handling and sharing of sensitive information in accordance to policy
  • Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser graded post

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

  • Demonstrable experience in dealing with people in a customer focussed environment or supportive network for at least a period of approximately 12 months
  • Demonstrable experience of supporting and encouraging customers to take personal action, along with the ability to adapt communication accordantly is critical. Ideally, including experience of dealing with vulnerable victims / witnesses
  • Excellent case management and administrative skills and ability to assimilate a thorough knowledge of practices and procedures that relate to the work involved
  • Demons
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