Caseworker

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated individual to join our Avon & Somerset team as a Caseworker, working within the VS team as part of the Avon & Somerset Victim Service partnership.

The service provides support to anyone aged over 18 affected by crime and anti-social behaviour across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset. This role is part-time, and is hybrid working both from home and 1 day a week in Keynsham Police Station (a suitable and confidential workspace at home is required).

During initial training and whilst awaiting police vetting the successful candidate will be required to work 1 day a week from our office based in the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, Bristol. When vetting has completed the job location will be Keynsham Police Station, with occasional working days from the Vassall Centre.

Do you want the unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced service, delivering exceptional and tailored support? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

If yes, then we’d love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• 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 a Caseworker you will provide high quality support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also contribute to providing cover for the local VS Helpline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage a caseload of self-referrals or referred victims.
• Ensure each victim receives individually appropriate tailored support that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Throughout a support relationship consistently revisiting impacts and outcomes of the victim, addressing emerging support needs within an agreed framework.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the victim in line with VS operating procedures.
• Follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
• Identify barriers to individuals accessing our services and determine solutions. Working with existing multi-agency partners to which victims can be referred for ongoing and specialist support.
• To work alongside a team of staff and volunteers to reflect the diverse community and the needs of the victims, including those with particular vulnerabilities, to deliver individual, bespoke services with respect, dignity and sensitivity.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, complying with data protection and all other legislation connected to your work and sharing protocols where necessary.

About You

You will need:

• An understanding of the impact of crime on victims such as anti-social behavior, domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to use IT applications competently.
• An understanding and practical application of Equal opportunities and diversity and inclusivity.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering services and working directly within a statutory, voluntary or multi agency setting(s).
• An ability to balance competing needs and priorities.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Knowledge and understanding of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practices, maintaining records in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements.
• A successful track record of building effective working relationships across internal and external stakeholders.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

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.

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 & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.