At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide tailored support to victims of crime and manage their cases effectively.
- Company: Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, birthday off, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Caseworkers to join our Adult multi-crime team based in London. These are hybrid roles working from home and our office in Singer Street, London at least once per week.
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 an Independent Victim Advocate you will be ensuring the provision of individual structured, tailored support plans, based on a holistic assessment of impact and risk, within the framework of VS's Service Model. You may make initial contact with victims of crime, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide ongoing support and case management.
You will develop, deliver and monitor safety and support plans for those affected by crime, who accept ongoing support. Support will include providing resources, interventions, and information to all service users in order to:
- support those affected by crime in understanding and asserting their rights and entitlements
- understand their journey through the criminal justice and legal systems including the Victims Code of Practice
- facilitate access to additional services
- establish healthy coping mechanisms
- provide practical support and information
You will directly support service users, who may be affected by all types of crime. You may work within a specialist area, for example concentrating on one crime type, or a certain demographic of victims. You may, in some services, be responsible for elements of volunteer management, including the development and case management oversight of a cohort of volunteers who will contribute to the service, in line with VS's policies and volunteering ethos and approach.
Diversity and Inclusion:
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. 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 and can make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process. We celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are 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.
Independent Victim Advocate in London employer: Assistancedogs
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and career development, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by crime. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member feels valued and supported, making it a rewarding place to grow both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Victim Advocate in London
✨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 Assistancedogs.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Assistancedogs!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Assistancedogs, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Assistancedogs or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Victim Advocate in London
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 Assistancedogs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Assistancedogs! 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 Assistancedogs
✨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.
