Witness Care Officer

We are currently recruiting for a Witness Care Officer to work for Thames Valley Police Force and be based in Reading.

This is a temporary ongoing position working 37 hours a week working 9am -5pm Monday to Thursday and Friday 9am to 4.30pm office based.

Please do not apply for this role unless you have LIVED IN THE UK FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 3 YEARS CONTINUOUSLY. This is due to Police Criteria.

The overall purpose of the role is to: Conduct the day-to-day delivery of Victim and Witness Care in accordance with the principals of The Victims Code of Practice (VCOP) Act as point of contact for the Crown Prosecution Service, the Police and other Criminal Justice Agencies from charge to conclusion. Work as part of a team to improve witness satisfaction and reduce the number of ineffective Trials.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY AREAS:

1. Act as single point of contact for an allocated caseload of victims and witnesses throughout the lifetime of the court case. Take responsibility for decisions around the method and frequency of contact and appropriate referral to partner agencies in line with the Victim's Code, Witness Charter and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

2. Conduct a tailored needs assessment with each victim and witness, managing their individual needs and expectations to identify special measures that may include; arranging Live Links between Police Stations, Courts, Council Offices and overseas secure locations. Manage financial requirements with the CPS for authorisation to arrange and book appropriate transport and accommodation to allow witnesses to give evidence and increase confidence in the Criminal Justice system.

3. Collaborate with support agencies including; the Witness Service (regarding pre-trial visits / support at court), Victim First Hub, specialist staff (IDVAs / ISVAs), other victim care partners and Police Officers to ensure bespoke support and safeguarding plans are developed and implemented for victims and witnesses before, during and post-trial, to enable evidence is given.

4. Work with victims during and after the court process. Proactively undertake detailed conversations with Victims in 'Guilty Plea' cases about Restorative Justice (RJ) to identify suitability for this service. Complete quality referrals to Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service (TVRJS) as required, to provide quality outcomes for victims and reduce re-offending.

5. Utilise relevant computer systems to record / update victim and witness information to ensure effective communication is maintained with relevant CJ agencies throughout court cases. Update Officer's duties on DMS when required.

6. Liaise with CPS Lawyers, Administration teams, Case Progression Officers, Police Officers, Police Staff and Court Listing staff regarding victim and witness issues and difficulties. Ensure effective case progression takes place and, where appropriate, issues are escalated quickly and efficiently.

7. Provide advice and support to investigating Officers / staff regarding victim and witness care, including special measures, intermediaries, Victim Code and witness Charter compliance.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROLE:

1. Good standard of education with a minimum of 4 GCSEs grades A-C/9-4 or equivalent including Numeracy and Literacy

2. The ability to communicate calmly and effectively with a wide range of internal / external customers and partner agencies in stressful and pressurised situations. Ability to negotiate / influence anxious, distressed or angry customers.

3. Ability to work on own initiative, manage own workload and work to non-negotiable deadlines whilst making decisions within agreed guidelines. Experience of prioritising workloads after assessing individual need and organisational risk. Managing own workload and working to non-negotiable targets

4. Proven experience of using MS Office (including Word & Excel) and ability to learn new IT systems. Proven ability to input, update and retrieve system information.

5. Ability to work effectively as part of a team with excellent problem solving skills

6. Resilient, reliable and able to cope in a pressured environment with the ability to remain calm and accurate in a variety of situations.

7. Previous experience of working in a customer service environment or in a role requiring direct contact with customers

8. Knowledge / experience of the Criminal Justice System and / or willingness to gain understanding of relevant Government initiatives i.e. Vulnerable and Intimidated Witness, Narrowing the Justice Gap, and of partnership and/or multi agency working and GDPR / MOPI

9. Understanding or willingness to learn and apply the following: Victim Code of Practice, Witness Charter and the Police Witness Protocol.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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