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Senior Victims First Officer


An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Victims First team as a Senior Victims First Officer. 

The Senior Victims First Officer will provide specialist expertise with a particular focus on either children and young people or Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse. The role holder will provide advice, support and advocacy to victims across the Thames Valley and will ensure that victims are referred on to specialist support where required.

Based within our Victims First Hub in Reading, the Senior Victims First Officer will also provide specialist oversight of children and young people or Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence referrals. They will ensure that victims recieve the best possible support for their individual needs, assess risks and complete safety planning where required.

The successful candidate will be working in a fast paced environment, responding appropriately to victim’s needs and managing safeguarding issues that may arise. They will have their own caseload so will need to prioritise work based on demand, risk and vulnerability.

The successful candidate will also provide specialist knowledge, training, advice and guidance for Victims First Officers (VFOs) on topics related to children and young people or Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. They will provide mentoring support to other Victims First Officers and lateral support and cover to VFOs within the team in order to maintain resilience. 

Essential Criteria:

  • Experience of working within a statutory, voluntary, community or charity environment providing support to victims of Domestic Abuse and/or Sexual Violence.
  • Current SafeLives (or equivalent) IDVA/ISVA/ChISVA/ChIDVA qualification or a willingness to work towards accreditation within a specified timeframe.
  • An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims.
  • Knowledge of Domestic Abuse/Sexual Violence and demonstrable experience of working directly with victims of Domestic Abuse/Sexual Violence.
  • Ability to complete individualised support and safety plans and to make referrals to relevant agencies.
  • Experience of communicating and working with a wide range of people including partner agencies and vulnerable individuals and/or those at point of crisis.


The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Sunday 25 February 2024. 

For more information about the role and to apply, please click here

 

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteer - Victims First Emotional Support Service

Victims First Emotional Support Service provides free emotional and practical support to all victims of crime, witnesses of crime and family members of victims. The service is available across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and can provide help regardless of whether or not the crime has been reported to the police.

 
The role of a Victims First Emotional Support Volunteer involves:
• Providing practical and emotional support to victims of crime in the Thames Valley area
• Working to empower victims and map progress using an evidence-based outcomes tool 
• Ensuring fairness, impartiality and equality in supporting victims  
• Keeping a secure record of contact with victims and reporting to the Caseworker appropriately and in line with data protection requirements  
• Working alongside a Caseworker to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service 
• Committing to attending ongoing training, supervision, reflective practice and support sessions
 

What skills are we looking for?

• A non-judgemental attitude
• The ability to empathise with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures 
• Excellent listening skills
• Reliable and punctual
• Able to set and work within clear boundaries
• Able to travel within your local area 
• Can commit to a minimum period of 18 months.
 
What’s in it for me?
• Free training, support and ongoing professional development
• Travel reimbursement 
• The opportunity to develop personal and support skills for future opportunities and employment 
• Contribute to your community in a role which has social value 
• Meet people, learn new things and gain a sense of reward and contribution 
 
The role is subject to reference and DBS check.  For more information or to request an application form please contact the VFESS Manager on 01844 487 989 or email admin@vfess.org.uk.