At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of crime and their families through the justice process.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Public Protection sector in Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be a voice for victims and help shape their journey towards justice.
- Qualifications: Understanding of the criminal justice system and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
20726 - Victims Liaison Officer - Public Protection - Hertfordshire - East of England
The job holder will work with victims of crime and victims’ families who are participating in, or are being considered for inclusion in, the statutory Probation Service (PS) Victim Contact Scheme (VCS) or Victim Notification Scheme (VNS).
The job holder will work in accordance with the PS VCS and VNS Guidance, relevant policies, and legislation to contribute to the assessment and management of risk posed by offenders in order to protect the public.
They will liaise with victims and their families to provide them with information about significant developments during the offender’s sentence or order and enable victims and their families to participate by making representations to inform decision-making around risk management.
The job holder will also liaise with relevant professionals across organisations and contribute to inter-agency meetings to ensure that the views of victims and their families have been considered.
Summary
The post holder will have direct contact with individuals and their families who have been victims of serious crimes, including those involving violent, sexual, or stalking and harassment offences.
The key roles of the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) are to
The key roles of the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) are to
- Provide information to victims and their families during the key stages of the offender’s sentence/hospital order and contribute towards the assessment and management of the risk of harm to victims and their families.
- Liaise with, provide, and analyse information for, and give advice to criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies to ensure that the perspectives of victims and their families have been considered.
- Work in partnership with other agencies with the aim of preventing reoffending and meet the needs of victims, whilst considering the rights and needs of offenders.
The post holder requires knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, including the functions of the courts, prisons, probation, and the Parole Board, as well as Youth Justice Services and the arrangements for Mentally Disordered Offenders.
The post holder will be required to travel on a regular basis to maintain contact with victims, their families, and other professionals who may be based across rural and urban areas.
The post holder must work within the aims and values of the PS and HM Prison and Probation Service.
This includes demonstrating a commitment to equality and inclusion in line with PS policies and procedures.
The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
Some out of hours working may be required during the week and weekends.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties set out below:
- Liaise with the victims and their families to ensure they are informed about key stages and developments regarding an offender’s sentence or hospital order as set out in the VCS and VNS.
- Use computer-based administrative systems to obtain relevant information and to produce, update and maintain records relating to victims, and other documentation, within agreed timescales.
- Assess the risks and needs of victims and their families and complete any required actions within appropriate timescales including home and/or alternate location visits as required in accordance with the PS VCS and VNS Guidance.
- Identify changes in risk or need and refer to senior managers and professionals in other agencies as appropriate.
- Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
- Ensure effective referrals to, and communication with, other probation colleagues and professionals in other agencies.
- Participate in a range of interprofessional meetings to represent victims and their families (and/or the PS) to support risk management and safeguarding of victims.
- Carry out duties in accordance with policies and legislation governing parole proceedings, and to support victims and their families to write a personal statement and/or present their statement to the parole board in person or remotely.
- Provide training and mentoring support to new VLOs and other probation practitioners and educate professionals from other agencies about the VCS and VNS and their responsibilities.
- Engage in ongoing learning and development to maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of current policies, legislation, and best practice, including completion of all mandatory training.
- Provide cover within the victim liaison unit as appropriate.
- The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and are not intended to be exhaustive.
The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
- An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.
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20726 - Victims Liaison Officer - Public Protection - Hertfordshire - East of England in Hook employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 20726 - Victims Liaison Officer - Public Protection - Hertfordshire - East of England in Hook
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace 20726 - Victims Liaison Officer - Public Protection - Hertfordshire - East of England in Hook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
