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.