Victim and Witness Care Officer

This vacancy has now closed to new applicants, if you like to be kept informed of other opportunities we have then why not register for our Talent Banks:

Police Roles

Staff Roles

Police Staff
Permanent, Fixed Term Contract, Parental Leave Cover, Staff Bank
Job Share, Part Time, Full Time
Victims & Safeguarding
Bridgwater Police Centre- TA6 4RR, Keynsham, Police Centre- BS31 1SX, Bristol, Bridewell Police Station Bristol - BS1 2AA
SC 5

£27,789 - £29,874

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.  
37, 18.5, 22.2
12

20/02/2023, 12:00

Do you want a job where you can make a real difference to the lives of people in your community through advocating for their needs?

Our Victim and Witness Care Officers (VWCO) become their initial point of contact and provide support, guidance and help at the most critical of times. They are the link between our internal departments and other organisations we work alongside.

You will be talking to multiple people every day, the people you will talk to may be upset, emotional, scared and distraught, you will need to be empathetic, understanding and show your support in their time of need. This role is pressured and you will therefore need to be someone who is happy working to tight time constraints and changeable deadlines.  

We will want you to share your knowledge and experience, as a department we are always looking to further our understanding and ensure we all follow best practice in everything we do.

In this role you will -

  • Review police information to support decisions
  • Make phone contact with victims of crime to offer support and help
  • Make contact with organisations that protect children and adults who are at risk of harm
  • Support witnesses and assist them in understanding their role, in the Criminal Justice process
  • Keep victims and witnesses informed as their case progresses

Skills required for this role:

  • A good communicator and resilient when dealing with challenging conversations
  • Ability to make decisions
  • Experience of IT systems such as Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work to deadlines

What does the job really involve?

Please read our ‘day in the life of a VWCO’ accounts attached.  These will give you an insight into the role written by VWCO's currently working in the role. 

We would also like to invite you to attend a virtual Familiarisation Event where you can find out more about the role and the team you will be working with, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions. These events will take place over Microsoft teams on the following dates:

  • Monday 6th February between 1pm and 2pm
  • Thursday 9th February between 6pm and 7pm

If you wish to attend one of these events please email talentpolicestaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk. Attendance at this event is not mandatory and we would still welcome an application from you if you are not available to attend.  If you have any questions but are not able to attend the event, please email your questions through to talentpolicestaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk.     

This is a challenging but rewarding role…..are you up for the challenge? At Avon & Somerset Police we’re here to serve, protect and respect everyone in our community. Our values are to be caring, courageous, include others and to keep learning. Does this sound like you?

Ready to apply?

We currently have two vacancies available: one full time temporary position available in Bristol, and one full time temporary position available in Keynsham. We will also be recruiting into a bank for future vacancies, this means if you are successful we will reserve your application for a period of 12 months and offer you the position when it becomes vacant.

Tell us about yourself! We particularly welcome applications from people who can speak additional languages or have personal experience of people from different backgrounds – but don’t worry if you think that doesn’t apply to you, we’ll still be really keen to hear from you and the difference you can bring. 

You do not need any qualifications to apply for this role as full training and mentoring will be provided.

This role is blended so you will be able to work from home the majority of the time but will be based at your work location at least 2 days a week.  You will work a shift pattern which is includes working Monday-Friday from 8am until 4pm and 10.30am until 6.30pm.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year 'checkable history' in the UK - ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country. 

Find out more about our benefits and culture


Click the video link below to see why our colleagues feel they can "Be the Difference"






Blended Working/ Hybrid Working

Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible.
This role has been identified as a blended role.
The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.

Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants)

You will require the following detail to complete this application form:

  • National Insurance Number
  • Identification Detail e.g. passport
  • Address information including proof 
  • Referee information
  • Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained
  •  Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe of any visible tattoos you have

If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos. 

Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants

The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.

Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save.  

If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission. 

This vacancy is closed to applications.