At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community outreach team supporting vulnerable witnesses through the justice process.
- Company: Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, birthday off, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and making an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in service delivery or support roles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Victim Support is seeking a confident, organised, and relationship-driven Team Leader to lead our Witness Service outreach team working in the community. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that vulnerable intimidated witnesses receive high-quality, timely, and compassionate support at every stage of the justice process. We are looking for someone who brings strong people-management experience, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to building a supportive and high-performing team. You'll lead volunteers, oversee daily case allocations, manage service delivery within the community, strengthen partnerships, and ensure our Witness Service meets contractual and quality standards. This role is part-time working 18.75 hours per week covering Staffordshire.
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
- Flexible Working Options - including hybrid working where applicable
- 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 (outreach in the community), you will:
- Lead the delivery of the Witness Service within the community, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and consistent service for all witnesses.
- Line-manage 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 area.
- 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.
- Strong 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
This role involves exposure to emotionally demanding situations and requires resilience and emotional maturity. Travel across the court cluster and wider area is required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet service needs. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to career development, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while receiving comprehensive support and resources. Located in Staffordshire, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in delivering vital services to vulnerable witnesses, ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their journey in the justice system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Witness Support Worker in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Victim Support and their Witness Service. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, communication, and crisis management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and leave a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Witness Support Worker in Newcastle upon Tyne
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!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of Team Leader in our Witness Service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Victim Support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Know the Justice System
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of the criminal justice system and how it impacts victims and witnesses. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Witness Support Worker, you'll be managing volunteers and supporting vulnerable individuals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or provided support in challenging situations. Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills.
✨Be Organised and Methodical
This role requires strong organisational skills. Bring a structured approach to your interview by discussing how you manage competing demands and ensure high-quality service delivery. Consider sharing specific tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Emphasise Emotional Resilience
Given the emotionally demanding nature of this role, it's crucial to convey your emotional maturity and resilience. Be ready to discuss how you've handled stressful situations in the past and what strategies you use to maintain your wellbeing while supporting others.
