At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of crime with tailored assistance and risk assessments.
- Company: Join Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, birthday off, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Understanding of crime impacts, strong communication skills, and teamwork experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a resilient and dedicated individual to join our Avon & Somerset team as a Caseworker, working within the VS team as part of the Avon & Somerset Victim Service partnership. The service provides support to anyone aged over 18 affected by crime and anti-social behaviour across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset. This role is part-time, and is hybrid working both from home and 1 day a week in Keynsham Police Station (a suitable and confidential workspace at home is required).
Do you want the unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced service, delivering exceptional and tailored support? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it? If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…
What we offer
- Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
- Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
- Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
- Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
About the Role
As a Caseworker you will provide high quality support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also contribute to providing cover for the local VS Helpline. During initial training and whilst awaiting police vetting the successful candidate will be required to work 1 day a week from our office based in the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, Bristol. When vetting has completed the job location will be Keynsham Police Station, with occasional working days from the Vassall Centre.
Key Responsibilities
- Effectively manage a caseload of self-referrals or referred victims.
- Ensure each victim receives individually appropriate tailored support that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
- Throughout a support relationship consistently revisiting impacts and outcomes of the victim, addressing emerging support needs within an agreed framework.
- Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the victim in line with VS operating procedures.
- Follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.
- Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
- Identify barriers to individuals accessing our services and determine solutions.
- Working with existing multi‑agency partners to which victims can be referred for ongoing and specialist support.
- To work alongside a team of staff and volunteers to reflect the diverse community and the needs of the victims, including those with particular vulnerabilities, to deliver individual, bespoke services with respect, dignity and sensitivity.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records, complying with data protection and all other legislation connected to your work and sharing protocols where necessary.
About You
You will need:
- An understanding of the impact of crime on victims such as anti‑social behaviour, domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- The ability to use IT applications competently.
- An understanding and practical application of Equal opportunities and diversity and inclusivity.
- Proven track record of successfully delivering services and working directly within a statutory, voluntary or multi agency setting(s).
- An ability to balance competing needs and priorities.
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- The ability to maintain professional boundaries.
- Knowledge and understanding of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practices, maintaining records in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements.
- A successful track record of building effective working relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.
About Us
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences. Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required. At Victim Support, we’re proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We’re committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
Caseworker in Bristol employer: Assistancedogs
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to career development, staff are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to vital services for victims of crime across Avon & Somerset. The unique hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life integration, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment in a compassionate environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caseworker in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Assistancedogs, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Assistancedogs. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Assistancedogs's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Caseworker in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Assistancedogs. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Assistancedogs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Assistancedogs
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Assistancedogs.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Caseworker at Assistancedogs.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Assistancedogs that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Caseworker role.
