At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with young people and communities to reduce violence and crime in Lewisham.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience working with at-risk youth and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 45000 Β£ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
The Safer Communities Service has a key role in supporting people throughout the borough and currently includes the following strands: Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Community Engagement, Crime Reduction (including the management of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Community Safety), Licensing, Prevent, Statutory Nuisance, Trading Standards, Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG), and Violence Reduction (Public Health response to Violence).
The Violence Reduction Team brings together professionals from the local authority, health services, and the police to provide a multi-agency approach to breaking the cycle of involvement in violence; both as victims and as perpetrators. We remain committed to ensuring that Lewisham is a place where those who experience any crime and violence have their experiences validated, are empowered to recover, and are supported within our inclusive and diverse community.
The successful candidate will support the Safer Communities Service to deliver on key strategies that ensure the delivery of this aim through their thorough understanding of violence reduction both nationally and locally.
A vacancy has arisen for the role of Violence Reduction Officer within Lewisham Safer Communities Violence Reduction Team (VRT). The Violence Reduction Officer will be responsible for the delivery of violence reduction strategies within Lewisham through engaging young people, families, and the wider community.
The post holder will assist in the prevention and reduction of crime and violence in Lewisham by identifying areas to mitigate violence and crime and leading on projects to address this. This may incorporate, but is not limited to, project work, outreach, case management, group sessions, and community engagement. The post holder will also be responsible for the recording, monitoring, and evaluation of their work undertaken as part of the programme.
What we are looking for:
- Strong ability to prioritise and manage time effectively to ensure that tasks are executed efficiently, especially when working under significant pressure.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, and significant experience in developing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from a range of diverse backgrounds.
- Significant experience of working directly with young people and families who are at risk of violence.
- Experience of risk management and assessment in the context of violence reduction.
- A comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of violence, and the knowledge of the factors that contribute to increased vulnerability to such violence. In addition, the ability to analyse the underlying factors and implement effective strategies aimed at reducing violence and mitigating associated risks.
What's in it for you:
- Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
Location: Whilst the job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, we operate a hybrid approach whereby you may be required to work both in the office, visit and attend meetings and appointments across the borough, and from home as determined by service requirements. There may also be appointments outside of the borough which you may be required to attend on behalf of the service.
Special conditions:
- The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
- The delivery of this project should be within flexible hours, as it is anticipated that some evening and weekend work will be required.
- This post is funded until 31st March 2028 on a Fixed Term Contract.
- The recruitment process is anonymous, and we donβt accept CVs.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Roberta Raftopoulos, Safer Communities Violence Reduction Team Manager, Roberta.Raftopoulos@lewisham.gov.uk.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Violence Reduction Officer in London employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Violence Reduction Officer in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time engaging with local groups and organisations in Lewisham. This will not only help you understand the unique challenges they face but also show your commitment to making a difference.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals already working in violence reduction or community safety. Attend local events or workshops to connect with them. You never know who might have a lead on job opportunities!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with young people and families in the past. Be ready to discuss your experience in risk management and how you've tackled violence-related issues.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure your application highlights your understanding of violence reduction strategies. Tailor your supporting statement to reflect how you meet the person specification criteria. We want to see your passion for this role!
We think you need these skills to ace Violence Reduction Officer in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what they're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and relevant by addressing each of the person specification criteria. We want to know how you meet their needs, so be specific and give examples.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make it easy for them to see why you're the right fit for the Violence Reduction Officer role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure it gets to the right place. Plus, you'll find all the info you need to complete your application successfully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
β¨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham's diverse communities and the specific challenges they face regarding violence. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference and show that you're ready to engage effectively with residents.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with young people and families at risk of violence. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or initiatives that reduced crime or supported vulnerable individuals.
β¨Highlight Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills are crucial for this role. Think of instances where you've built relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Practice articulating these experiences, as they'll be key in showing your ability to connect with the community.
β¨Understand Violence Reduction Strategies
Brush up on both national and local violence reduction strategies. Be prepared to discuss the underlying causes of violence and how you would implement effective strategies to mitigate risks. This knowledge will set you apart as a candidate who is not only passionate but also informed.