Victims First - Sexual Violence Witness Advocate
 

Organisation: Victims First Northumbria

Grade and Salary: E, £21,951 to £24,030

Location: Cobalt Business Park

 

 

 

The person

 

As an Assertive Advocacy & Support Worker (Sexual Violence) you will work to ensure that the voices of sexual violence victims are heard within the criminal justice system and that individual victims are aware of and able to access all of their entitlements in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.

 

In particular you will use your knowledge of the local criminal justice system to develop effective working relationships with other key agencies, such as Northumbria Police, the CPS, HMCTS and voluntary witness care services, to ensure that the information and support needs of individual sexual violence victims are both fully understood and given appropriate attention.

 

You will also ensure that the victim’s with whom you work are actively updated and supported throughout the Criminal Justice process which includes supporting them at all court appointments and acting as an advocate where decisions and actions are being taken that may significantly impact on their case, entitlements and/or personal wellbeing

 

You will also ensure that the victim’s with whom you work are actively referred to local specialist services that can meet their wider support needs and proactively identify any gaps in local service provision to inform future provision.

 

In order to keep the victim at the heart of this service development it is essential that you:

 

  • Have some experience and knowledge of working with and or supporting victims of sexual crimes and violence including support throughout the criminal justice setting or court proceedings
  • Have a passion for delivering the highest standards of care and service
  • Take personal responsibility and show resilience when dealing with difficult circumstances
  • Have excellent communication skills, in particular, empathic listening
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively engage with a range of individuals and services in a complex, multi-agency environment
  • Can demonstrate initiative and innovative solutions to ensure victim satisfaction
  • Are confident in the use of systems to allow you to maintain accurate records of contacts, information gained/shared and actions taken
  • Can demonstrate effective end to end case management experience including assessing risk, managing plans, accurate recording, professional judgement, and working to deadlines and timescales.

 

The role will be based at Cobalt Business Park but involve extensive attendance at local courts.  Some evenings and weekend work may also be needed, as required, therefore the post holder must be flexible and responsive to individual and system needs.

Please refer to the Role Definition for further information: SV Witness Advocate - VFN - Role definition.pdf

Vetting:  Recruitment Vetting (RV)

 

Applicants must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 3 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed. 


Vacancy Contact:

To discuss the position in more detail please contact Rachel Hardman on 0191 2219886

Rank/Grade
Grade E
Location
North Tyneside
Hours
Full Time
Salary Range
No Salary Detailed
Vacancy Description
 

Organisation: Victims First Northumbria

Grade and Salary: E, £21,951 to £24,030

Location: Cobalt Business Park

 

 

 

The person

 

As an Assertive Advocacy & Support Worker (Sexual Violence) you will work to ensure that the voices of sexual violence victims are heard within the criminal justice system and that individual victims are aware of and able to access all of their entitlements in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.

 

In particular you will use your knowledge of the local criminal justice system to develop effective working relationships with other key agencies, such as Northumbria Police, the CPS, HMCTS and voluntary witness care services, to ensure that the information and support needs of individual sexual violence victims are both fully understood and given appropriate attention.

 

You will also ensure that the victim’s with whom you work are actively updated and supported throughout the Criminal Justice process which includes supporting them at all court appointments and acting as an advocate where decisions and actions are being taken that may significantly impact on their case, entitlements and/or personal wellbeing

 

You will also ensure that the victim’s with whom you work are actively referred to local specialist services that can meet their wider support needs and proactively identify any gaps in local service provision to inform future provision.

 

In order to keep the victim at the heart of this service development it is essential that you:

 

  • Have some experience and knowledge of working with and or supporting victims of sexual crimes and violence including support throughout the criminal justice setting or court proceedings
  • Have a passion for delivering the highest standards of care and service
  • Take personal responsibility and show resilience when dealing with difficult circumstances
  • Have excellent communication skills, in particular, empathic listening
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively engage with a range of individuals and services in a complex, multi-agency environment
  • Can demonstrate initiative and innovative solutions to ensure victim satisfaction
  • Are confident in the use of systems to allow you to maintain accurate records of contacts, information gained/shared and actions taken
  • Can demonstrate effective end to end case management experience including assessing risk, managing plans, accurate recording, professional judgement, and working to deadlines and timescales.

 

The role will be based at Cobalt Business Park but involve extensive attendance at local courts.  Some evenings and weekend work may also be needed, as required, therefore the post holder must be flexible and responsive to individual and system needs.

Please refer to the Role Definition for further information: SV Witness Advocate - VFN - Role definition.pdf

Vetting:  Recruitment Vetting (RV)

 

Applicants must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 3 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed. 


Vacancy Contact:

To discuss the position in more detail please contact Rachel Hardman on 0191 2219886