At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide vital support for witnesses in the court environment.
- Company: Join Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, birthday off, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in service delivery and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Victim Support is seeking a committed and detail-focused Team Leader to help coordinate and maintain excellent support for witnesses within the busy Court environment at Medway Magistrates Court. You will play a vital role in supporting the Team Leader, volunteers, and wider service ensuring witnesses receive timely, compassionate, and effective support throughout their justice journey. This role provides maternity cover for up to 9 months working 30 hours per week and is based at Medway Magistrates Court.
Are you an organised, proactive individual with a passion for supporting victims and witnesses as they navigate the justice system? Do you enjoy working collaboratively, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and supporting others to perform at their best? If you thrive in fast-paced environments, have strong communication and data-handling skills, and are motivated by service excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
What We Offer
- Generous Annual Leave - 28 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell leave
- Birthday Leave - an extra day off to celebrate your birthday
- Pension Plan - 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced Allowances - enhanced sick, maternity and paternity pay
- Exclusive Discounts - high street, holidays, gyms, entertainment, and more
- Financial Wellbeing Support - access to salary deducted finance and guidance
- Wellbeing Resources - employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- EDI Networks - opportunities to engage in colleague groups promoting equity and inclusion
- Sustainable Travel Schemes - Cycle to Work and season ticket loans
- Career Development - comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities
About the Role
As the Team Leader - Witness Service (Court-Based), you will support the delivery of a high quality, safe, and consistent service for all witnesses attending court. You will:
- Lead the delivery of the Witness Service within the court, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and consistent service for all witnesses.
- Line-manage Deputy Team Leaders and volunteers, supporting recruitment, training, development, performance, and wellbeing.
- Oversee daily case allocations, ensuring witnesses receive timely assessments, tailored support, and appropriate referrals.
- Ensure accurate and compliant data entry, audits, reporting, and monitoring of KPIs and quality standards.
- Manage rotas, resource planning, and service coverage across the court cluster.
- Promote excellent communication across teams, facilitating team meetings and sharing learning.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with local stakeholders, including statutory and voluntary partners.
- Foster an inclusive, trauma-informed, person-centred approach that recognises diverse needs and vulnerabilities.
- Provide leadership that champions continuous improvement and maintains the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of witnesses.
This role requires strong attention to detail, confidence using digital systems, and the ability to manage competing demands while supporting a high-performing team.
You will have:
- A strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the impact of crime on victims and witnesses.
- Experience delivering services in demanding environments with a focus on customer experience and service excellence.
- Experience providing guidance, support, or crisis management to staff or service users.
- Good communication, negotiation, and advisory skills, both written and verbal.
- The ability to work without direct supervision, manage competing demands, and maintain organised and methodical working practices.
- Experience gathering, analysing, and reporting information from multiple sources.
- Sound IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
Additional Information
The role may involve exposure to emotionally demanding situations and requires resilience. Travel across the Court cluster may be required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary. An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
About the Witness Service
The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales - both for the prosecution and the defence. Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence. The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.
This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service - so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.
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.
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. 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.
Witness Support Worker in Chatham employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and a focus on employee wellbeing, staff are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of witnesses navigating the justice system at Medway Magistrates Court. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values diversity and champions continuous improvement in service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Witness Support Worker in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission, especially in supporting victims and witnesses.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Witness Support Worker.
✨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 think you need these skills to ace Witness Support Worker in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting victims and witnesses shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the justice system!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role requires strong attention to detail, make sure your application is clear and free of errors. Double-check everything from your CV to your cover letter – we love a well-organised application!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to the specific requirements of the Team Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of a Witness Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with Victim Support's mission and values, as well as the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in delivering services in demanding environments. Think of specific examples where you've provided guidance or support, especially in crisis situations. Highlight your communication skills and how you've successfully managed competing demands while maintaining service excellence.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to talk about your experience in managing and supporting others. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and maintained high-quality service delivery. Discuss any strategies you've used to build effective relationships with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Prepared for Emotional Situations
Understand that the role may involve exposure to emotionally demanding situations. Reflect on your resilience and how you've coped with similar challenges in the past. Be honest about your approach to maintaining your wellbeing and supporting others in high-pressure environments.
