Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support witnesses through pre-trial, outreach, and post-trial processes with empathy and care.
- Company: Victim Support is a charity dedicated to helping victims of crime across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28+ days leave, discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Resilience, adaptability, and a passion for customer service are essential; no specific experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid working with one day in London; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for Caseworkers (known internally as Independent Witness Advocates) to join the Pre-trial witness support service, working 37.5 hours a week. Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it? Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care? If yes, then we’d love to hear from you…
What we offer:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
- Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
These roles are offered on a hybrid working basis. There is a requirement to work 1 day per week from our London Singer Street office. The remaining 4 days per week will be home-based but there will still be the requirement on these days to travel to London courts to deliver pre-trial visits.
As an Independent Witness Advocate you will:
- Lead on providing pre-trial, outreach & post-trial support for witnesses; ensuring their pre and post-trial needs are assessed and a plan for support is put in place so they can attend court to give their best evidence
- Provide advocacy, support in court, and emotional/practical support around their physical, mental, social or financial wellbeing
- Liaise with criminal justice partners to ensure witnesses are kept up to date with arrangements for attendance at court and where applicable, ensure special measures have been granted
- Provide practical and emotional support in a way that is approachable, flexible and caring, showing empathy at all times
- Need to be tenacious in support of your clients and being able to solve problems and surmount the challenges posed by the criminal justice system
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.
Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change. 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’ll 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. 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 & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Independent Witness Advocate employer: Victim Support
Contact Detail:
Victim Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Witness Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the criminal justice system and the specific challenges faced by witnesses. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during interviews and show that you're genuinely committed to supporting those in need.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of victim support and advocacy. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Victim Support's values and mission thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of providing high-quality services to victims and witnesses.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Witness Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Independent Witness Advocate role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the key competencies mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your experience in providing support, advocacy, and working within the criminal justice system, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about supporting witnesses. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your resilience, adaptability, and customer service focus.
Showcase Your Empathy: In your application, make sure to convey your ability to provide emotional and practical support. Share instances where you have shown empathy and understanding in challenging situations, as this is vital for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Independent Witness Advocate. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role, especially in providing emotional and practical support to witnesses.
✨Show Empathy and Resilience
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with clients and show resilience in challenging situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported individuals in distressing circumstances.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of specific instances where you had to navigate complex situations, particularly within the criminal justice system, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the organisation's approach to supporting witnesses and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
