At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of crime with tailored advocacy and guidance through the justice process.
- 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 inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in support services and strong communication skills are ideal.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Independent Victim Advocate to join our team supporting victims of crime in the West Midlands. Do you want to make a difference every day empowering those you support to move on from the crime? Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care? If yes, then we'd love to hear from you.
This role is a part time, hybrid role.
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 provide structured, tailored support plans based on holistic assessments for individuals affected by crime. You will make initial contact with victims to explain our service and offer ongoing support via telephone, emails or text, tailoring the support to the victims preferences i.e. home/office visits or weekly calls. Your responsibilities will include developing, delivering, and monitoring safety and support plans, completing risk assessments and providing resources, interventions, and information to service users.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of self‑referral & referred service users, providing information & advocacy to help them navigate the criminal justice process.
- Conduct risk & needs assessments, ensuring each victim receives tailored support & information.
- Identify barriers to accessing services & work with multi‑agency partners to provide ongoing support.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships and promote effective communication between staff and other stakeholders.
- Keep accurate & confidential case records.
- With further training you will support children and victims of domestic/sexual abuse.
About You:
Ideally, you will have an understanding of the impact of crime on victims & experience in delivering services within a statutory, voluntary, or multi‑agency setting. Experience in managing a caseload and of completing risk & needs assessments would be beneficial.
- Strong written & verbal communication skills.
- Competent IT skills, able to use generic systems.
- Good organisational & time management skills, able to manage competing needs and priorities.
- To work effectively both as part of a team & independently.
- To develop & maintain partnerships with internal & external organisations.
- The ability to maintain professional boundaries & confidentiality.
- May need to travel to meet service users and attend meetings.
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.
Independent Victim Advocate in Wolverhampton employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Independent Victim Advocates in the West Midlands. 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 crime victims. Our commitment to diversity and professional growth ensures that every team member feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Victim Advocate in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of victim advocacy or related areas. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others who share your passion for supporting victims. You never know who might have a lead on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Think about how your experiences align with their mission to support victims of crime. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, highlight your strong communication skills and your ability to manage a caseload effectively. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully navigated challenges and provided tailored support to individuals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Victim Support. We’re excited to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Victim Advocate in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Independent Victim Advocate. We want to see how you can make a difference in supporting victims of crime!
Showcase Your Compassion:In your written application, let your empathy shine through. Share examples of how you've supported others in challenging situations, as this role is all about empowering those affected by crime.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly understand what an Independent Victim Advocate does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as managing a caseload and conducting risk assessments. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
As this role requires a compassionate approach, think of examples from your past where you've supported individuals in difficult situations. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the impact of crime on victims.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Practice responses to questions like how you would support a victim who is hesitant to engage with services. This will show your adaptability and customer service focus.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the training and support provided for new advocates or how the team collaborates with multi-agency partners. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
