Victim Liaison Officer in Northumberland

The Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) works with victims of crime and victims' families who are participants in or considered for the statutory Probation Service Victim Contact Scheme (VCS) or Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VLO provides information, supports risk assessment and management to protect the public and facilitates victim involvement in decision‑making. The role involves liaison with victims, families, criminal‑justice agencies and partners to ensure victims' perspectives are represented.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with victims and their families to keep them informed about key stages and developments of an offender's sentence or hospital order.
• Use computer‑based systems to obtain relevant information and produce, update and maintain records within agreed timescales.
• Assess risks and needs of victims and their families and take appropriate actions, including home or alternate location visits in accordance with 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 duties for children and adults in line with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Ensure effective referrals to and communication with other probation colleagues and professionals in other agencies.
• Participate in inter‑professional meetings to represent victims and their families in risk management and safeguarding.
• Support victims and their families in writing personal statements for parole proceedings and presenting them to the parole board.
• Provide training and mentoring to new VLOs and other practitioners and educate professionals from other agencies about the VCS and VNS.
• Engage in ongoing learning and development to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of policies, legislation and best practice.
• Provide cover within the victim liaison unit as required.

Qualifications

To be considered an experienced VLO you should have:

• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced a range of social or personal difficulties, communicating sensitively and trauma‑informed.
• Experience with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Knowledge and understanding of the assessment and management of risk in relation to offenders and victim safeguarding.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice system and related agencies.

Technical

• Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths.

Core Competencies

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working arrangements are available where business need allows, blending base location, MoJ sites and home. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week (excluding unpaid breaks). Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing arrangements are considered where they meet the demands of the role.

Benefits

• Annual leave 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service plus public holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) participation.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job sharing.
• Flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
• Parental leave: paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.