How to become a victim care officer
You can get into this job through:
- volunteering
- applying directly
Volunteering
Volunteering with an organisation that works with vulnerable people is a good way to get into this type of work. Charities like Victim Support offer different roles, depending on what you want to do. You can also search for volunteering opportunities in support work through Do It and NCVO.
To volunteer in a victim care role, you’ll need:
- to be 18 or over
- to be of good character
- a caring nature and non-judgemental attitude
As a volunteer, you'll receive training, which will help you to develop your communication and listening skills, as well as the knowledge and understanding required to support victims of crime.
You may need between 1 and 2 years' experience as a volunteer before being able to apply for paid work.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you have experience from related work, like:
- social services, working with vulnerable adults or children
- community or advice work
- counselling
Experience of working in the justice system, for instance with the police, courts or prisons, would also be useful.
More Information
Career tips
The ability to communicate in a second language used in the community could be useful in some situations.
Further information
You can find more details about working with people affected by crime from Victim Support.