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- Tasks: Support victims of crime by providing empathy and solutions through phone conversations.
- Company: Join Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, birthday off, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your communication skills and compassion.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with ongoing training and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a motivated and empathetic individual to join the team at Victim Support based at Compass House, Ashford as Initial Support Agents (known internally as Triage & Early Intervention Officers). This position is offered on a permanent basis.
Are you looking for a new challenge that will be rewarding and make a real difference to people's lives? Do you enjoy talking to people, providing empathy and support, and helping to find solutions to problems? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you.
What we offer:
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity and paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment and leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career development and progression
About the role:
You will be talking to people on the telephone from a variety of different backgrounds, all with different experiences. No two days are the same and you will need to use your communication skills and resilient nature to help those dealing with trauma and the effects of crime, who may have gone through a life-changing experience. Previous experience is not required as you will receive robust training prior to working directly with clients. You will also receive ongoing support to ensure that you can provide victims with quick responses to meet their needs and help them cope and recover.
These roles are based in our Victim Care Unit in Ashford. You will be working shifts Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm or 12pm and 8pm. Shifts are designated on a rota basis and scheduled well in advance so you can plan ahead. You will be working within a supportive team that is part of a large independent charity which offers the opportunity to develop skills to enhance your ongoing personal development.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events.
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.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we will be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria. The application will ask you for specific evidence of how you have demonstrated each of the below shortlisting criteria. You will need to give examples of each in your application so that the panel can assess your potential based on previous experiences.
Those candidates determined by the panel as meeting or exceeding the criteria based on the written evidence will then be invited to attend a competency based interview and further skills assessment. We look forward to hearing from you.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered and started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Initial Support Agent in Ashford employer: Victim Support
Contact Detail:
Victim Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Initial Support Agent in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Victim Support. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your own experiences align with their goals. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Initial Support Agent, you'll be talking to people from all walks of life. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with discussing sensitive topics and providing empathetic support.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for competency-based questions! Think of specific examples from your past where you've demonstrated empathy, problem-solving, and resilience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Initial Support Agent in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your empathetic nature. Use examples from your past experiences where you've helped others or provided support, as this is key for the Initial Support Agent role.
Be Specific with Examples: The application will ask for specific evidence of how you meet the criteria. Don’t just say you have the skills; show us! Use clear examples that demonstrate your communication skills and resilience in challenging situations.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application reflects the values and mission of Victim Support. We want to see that you understand our commitment to helping victims and how you can contribute to that goal.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on crafting a great application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what an Initial Support Agent does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the skills required, such as empathy and communication. This will help you tailor your answers to show how you fit the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated empathy, problem-solving, or resilience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you provide clear and impactful examples during the interview.
✨Research Victim Support
Get to know Victim Support’s mission, values, and the services they offer. Understanding their commitment to supporting victims will allow you to align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means paying close attention to the interviewer’s questions and responding thoughtfully. It demonstrates your communication skills and shows that you value the conversation, which is crucial for the role.
