Victim care officer

As a victim care officer, you would:

• assess clients' needs and risks to their safety, and provide support
• advocate for your client at meetings or hearings
• support clients throughout the legal process
• help clients to work with all relevant services, including the police
• keep accurate records on a case management system
• train and supervise volunteers

• 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
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication 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

You can get into this job through:

• volunteering
• applying directly

With experience, you could become:

• a senior victim care officer, dealing with complex cases
• a unit or area manager, with responsibility for a number of centres, staff and volunteers
• an independent advocate specialising, for example, in working with victims of domestic abuse

You might also move into witness care, with a greater focus on the legal and judicial system.

You could continue your professional development by taking further training in a particular area, for example the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support Worker Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.