At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims and offenders in resolving incidents through communication and restorative practices.
- Company: Join West Midlands Police and partners in creating safer communities through restorative justice.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and meet like-minded people while making a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team, contribute to community healing, and develop essential skills.
- Qualifications: Friendly, reliable, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible hours, travel expenses covered, and lunch allowance for long shifts.
Restorative Justice is a victim focused resolution to crime or non-crime. It brings the harmed and those responsible for the harm into communication, enabling everyone affected by the incident to repair the harm and agree a way forward. It provides the opportunity for the harmed, harmer(s) and other affected people to meet in a controlled environment led by a trained facilitator. It holds the harmer personally to account and allows them an opportunity to repair the harm.
Role Purpose:
Restorative Justice are looking for volunteers to support the team to offer Restorative Practices and Interventions in the community. Volunteers will act as RJ facilitators to help assist in creating a resolution for a crime or non-crime. We would like you to support The RJ Hub creating a safer community and supporting people to recover from harm. The team consists of West Midlands Police, Remedi, Housing Providers and a range of multi-agency partnerships for onward support and specialist advice or information. Your skills and abilities will support the functioning and outcomes for people to find a positive way forward.
Key Responsibilities:
- Making contact with Victims and suspects to offer Restorative Justice (RJ) as a resolution to their incident
- Visiting victims and suspects to discuss the incident they were involved in
- Assessing victims and suspects for suitability to take part in any RJ intervention
- To co-ordinate, arrange and conduct Restorative Justice Interventions and Meetings
- To follow up any opportunities for engagement through referrals to other agencies
- Ensuring customer satisfaction is at the heart of their work
- Be ambassador for West Midlands Police and the WM Restorative Justice Service
- Work with the West Midlands Restorative Justice Supervisor and other stakeholders to help create a safe and secure environment for all those using our service
- Provide an outstanding victim led service at all times in line with the Restorative Justice Council 6 principles of RJ.
What we can offer you:
- Be a part of our Policing family
- Opportunities to develop and share your skills and expertise
- Gaining valuable work experience and new skills
- Enjoyment in doing something you like while meeting new, like-minded people
- Contributing to the local community by helping in the work West of Midlands Police (WMP)
- On-going training related to these roles
- Additional opportunities to become involved with other organisations that partner with WMP.
Essential Information:
- Applicants are considered on their merits and regarded equally
- We will induct and train you to carry out the role
- For relevant roles, we will apply for an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service check - having a criminal record isnβt a barrier to volunteering, this is simply to protect children/vulnerable people we work with
- Where appropriate, volunteers should use public transport. We will cover travel expenses to a maximum daily limit of a 1 day network Zones 1-5 Unlimited regional bus*, tram and train travel within the specified West Midlands rail zones
- Mileage will be reimbursed at 45p per mile using the Michelin guide
- Volunteers are eligible to claim Β£5.00 towards their lunch if they volunteer over 4 hours on a given day.
This role description is intended as an indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended with any changing needs of West Midlands Police. It is expected that the volunteer will be flexible, using this document as a framework.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Friendly and approachable
- Good communications skills & a good level of written and spoken English
- Reliable with good time-keeping skills
- Happy to work independently or as part of a team
- Attention to detail and good observational skills
- Administration skills (Microsoft Office, Internet)
- Vetting: Successful candidates will be expected to pass security & DBS checks; a thorough vetting process is in place for all volunteer roles.
Hours: A minimum of 4 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months.
Location: Birmingham (can be flexible).
Contact: For more information, please contact Louise Brazier (Citizens in Policing Co-Ordinator) at louise.brazier@westmidlands.police.uk.
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a 'Disability Confident Interview Scheme' - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.
Restorative Justice Volunteer employer: West Midlands Police
Contact Detail:
West Midlands Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Restorative Justice Volunteer
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of Restorative Justice. Understanding the core values and practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former volunteers in similar roles. They can provide insights into their experiences and may even offer advice on how to stand out during the selection process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Engage with local community groups or organisations that focus on crime prevention or victim support. This will show your commitment to the community and enhance your understanding of the challenges faced by victims.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenarios you might encounter as a volunteer. Think about how you would handle difficult conversations or conflicts, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills during discussions with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Restorative Justice Volunteer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Restorative Justice Volunteer position, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous volunteer work or experience that demonstrates your communication skills, reliability, and ability to work with diverse groups. Mention any relevant training or qualifications that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that explains why you are passionate about restorative justice and how your skills can contribute to the team. Be sure to mention your understanding of the principles of RJ and your commitment to supporting victims and offenders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Police
β¨Understand Restorative Justice
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of what Restorative Justice is and how it works. Familiarise yourself with the principles and practices involved, as well as the role of a facilitator in helping victims and offenders communicate.
β¨Show Your Empathy
As a Restorative Justice Volunteer, empathy is key. Be prepared to discuss your experiences that demonstrate your ability to understand and relate to others' feelings. Share examples where you've helped someone through a difficult situation.
β¨Highlight Communication Skills
Good communication is essential for this role. Be ready to showcase your verbal and written communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to explain how you would approach a sensitive conversation, so think about your responses in advance.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
This role requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, as well as instances where you've taken initiative on your own. This will show your versatility as a volunteer.