Greater Manchester Public Protection - Victim Liaison Officer - Permanent Positions - 7 Vacanci[...]

HM Prison and Probation Service; Huntingdon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A national criminal justice organization is seeking individuals to provide support to victims of serious crimes. The role involves direct contact with victims and their families, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with various agencies to ensure the safety and rights of victims. Applicants should possess excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of safeguarding principles. This position offers competitive benefits and supports a flexible work environment.

Benefits

Access to learning and development

Flexible working options

Civil Service pension with high employer contribution

Annual Leave

Public Holidays

Season Ticket Advance

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate confidently in English.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Experience in liaising with criminal justice or support agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and support to victims and their families.
• Liaise with criminal justice agencies for victim perspectives.
• Conduct risk assessments and home visits as required.
• Participate in interprofessional meetings for victim management.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Risk assessment skills

Job description

Overview

The post holder will have direct contact with individuals and their families who have been victims of serious crimes, including those involving violent, sexual, or stalking and harassment offences.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Provide information to victims and their families during the key stages of the offender's sentence/hospital order and contribute towards the assessment and management of the risk of harm to victims and their families.
• Liaise with, provide, and analyse information for, and give advice to criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies to ensure that the perspectives of victims and their families have been considered.
• Work in partnership with other agencies with the aim of preventing reoffending and meet the needs of victims, whilst considering the rights and needs of offenders.
• Liaise with the victims and their families to ensure they are informed about key stages and developments regarding an offender's sentence or hospital order as set out in the VCS and VNS.
• Use computer-based administrative systems to obtain relevant information and to produce, update and maintain records relating to victims, and other documentation, within agreed timescales.
• Assess the risks and needs of victims and their families and complete any required actions within appropriate timescales including home and/or alternate location visits as required in accordance with the PS VCS and VNS Guidance.
• Identify changes in risk or need and refer to senior managers and professionals in other agencies as appropriate.
• Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adults duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Ensure effective referrals to, and communication with, other probation colleagues and professionals in other agencies.
• Participate in a range of interprofessional meetings to represent victims and their families (and/or the PS) to support risk management and safeguarding of victims.
• Carry out duties in accordance with policies and legislation governing parole proceedings, and to support victims and their families to write a personal statement and/or present their statement to the parole board in person or remotely.
• Provide training and mentoring support to new VLOs and other probation practitioners and educate professionals from other agencies about the VCS and VNS and their responsibilities.
• Engage in ongoing learning and development to maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of current policies, legislation, and best practice, including completion of all mandatory training.
• Provide cover within the victim liaison unit as appropriate.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours (assessment during selection)

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

Additional information

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please note there may be equivalent pages or guidance; the following guidance is typically provided in job adverts: selection process details, security checks, nationality requirements, and information about working for the Civil Service. The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Diversity and Inclusion information is provided to explain the Civil Service commitments to equal opportunities and inclusion.