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Victim care officer

Alternative titles for this job include Witness support officer

Victim care officers support people who've been affected by crime.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a victim care officer

You can get into this job through:

  • volunteering 
  • applying directly

Volunteering

A common way into this job is to start as a volunteer with a victim or witness care organisation like Victim Support. You can also search for volunteering opportunities through general volunteering organisations like Do It and NCVO.

As a volunteer, you will receive training, which will help you to develop your communication and listening skills, as well as the knowledge and understanding you need to support victims.

To volunteer, you normally need to be over 18 and of good character, with a caring nature and non-judgemental attitude. The ability to communicate in a second community-based language could be useful in some situations.

You may need between 1 and 2 years' experience as a volunteer before being considered for paid work.

Direct Application

You can move into this career if you have experience from related areas, like working with vulnerable adults in social services, a community setting or through counselling.

Experience of working in the justice system, for instance with the police, courts or prisons, would also be useful.

More Information

Further information

You can get more details about this career from Victim Support.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of psychology
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • make contact with clients following a crime to give practical and emotional support
  • carry out an assessment of client's needs and give or find appropriate help
  • give information on legal processes and how long they may take
  • go with clients to meetings or hearings
  • be an advocate for your client
  • liaise with the police and legal services
  • arrange for a police community support officer (PCSO) to visit
  • help clients to access other relevant services and agencies
  • write and update confidential records
  • train and supervise volunteers

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior victim care officer, unit or area manager, with responsibilities for a number of centres, staff and volunteers.

You could also move into witness care, with a greater focus on the legal and judicial system and making sure witnesses attend court.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a victim care officer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Uniformed & Public Services

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Waterlooville

Uniformed Public Services Dip L3

  • Provider: EAST SUSSEX COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Lewes
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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