Victim Liaison Officer

As a Victim Liaison Officer, you'll work directly with victims to ensure they are supported to make informed choices about their needs including any direct work with children., The role is city-wide and you will be based in a multi-agency team, working very closely with YJS case managers and specialists. We would also expect you to access opportunities through coaching and training to develop yourself professionally and allow you to better undertake your job role., Job Purpose: Develop and deliver work with victims within Leeds Youth Justice Service (YJS). Ensuring that victims' needs are met whilst also balancing the needs and experiences of the child. Responsibilities:

• Reduce offending by children by providing positive opportunities for them to understand the impact of their behaviour on others.
• Provide a victim perspective regarding the provision of relevant YJS services.
• Make contact with victims on behalf of Leeds Youth Justice Service, in line with the YJS victim policy and other relevant service policies and procedures
• Provide impartial information to enable victims to make appropriate choices regarding any involvement they may wish have with children or other YJS workers
• Provide information and advice to Courts, YJS staff, panels and appropriate volunteers in relation to victim impact, wishes and restorative justice options, verbally and in writing
• Undertake mediation work between victims and children who have committed offences.
• Actively promote and support Leeds Youth Justice Service and Leeds City Council's child friendly and restorative policies and to work in a way which promotes equality of opportunity.
• Provide assessment of the needs of victims in contact with the YJS.
• Promote a fully integrated victim perspective to all relevant aspects of YJS work.
• Produce reports for panels and meetings, to present victims' views.
• Ensure that victims are supported appropriately through the period of their involvement with the YJS and referred to relevant support agencies in the community where appropriate.
• Provide feedback to victims regarding the outcome of the work completed with children.
• Maintain accurate, up to date records of work carried out with victims, including recording information on Child view.
• Ensure that victims are offered the opportunity to give feedback on the quality of the service provided to them by the YJS.
• Carry out all duties in accordance with relevant National Standards, performance targets and business and team plans.
• Work effectively with all members of the YJS and its partner agencies.
• Take account of the environmental issues arising from any service developments.
• Maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within Childrens Services, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
  
  You'll thrive on challenge to ensure victims have their voices heard within the Youth Justice System, driving positive outcomes and victim safety. You will need excellent communication skills and be able to quickly build rapport and relationships., As a Victim Liaison Officer you will bring to the role:
• An ability to pass information effectively, accurately and concisely between children and their families, victims of crime, colleagues, courts and other agencies, either over the telephone, face to face and/or in writing
• Sensitivity in working with victims of crime, including understanding family dynamics
• An ability to assess victims' needs and the support that they will require whilst involved with the YJS
• Experience of working with victims of crime
• Understand the needs of victims of crime and their relationship with the criminal justice system and Youth Justice Service, including relevant legislation protecting victims' rights., Qualifications: Demonstrating ability in numeracy and literacy or equivalent knowledge and skills
Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.
• Able to pass information effectively, accurately and concisely between children and their families, victims of crime, colleagues, courts and other agencies, either over the telephone, face to face and/or in writing
• Sensitivity in working with victims of crime, including understanding family dynamics
• Able to assess victims' needs and the support that they will require whilst involved with the YJS
• Able to establish restorative relationships and maintain effective dialogue with children and their families with a view to changing their behaviour positively.
• Negotiation and mediation skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a team and to demonstrate organisational and time management skills prioritising own and team's work to meet conflicting deadlines
• Able to accurately enter and retrieve data and information from digital and manual systems preparing and presenting reports and data to senior managers and a wide range of audiences
• Able to use of information technology e.g. word, spreadsheet, database. Email etc.
• Able to use initiative to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and adapting to changing circumstances
• Able work positively and creatively within a multi-agency team
• Understanding of children's rights
• Understanding of the care system and the needs of children who are looked-after
• Commitment to restorative practice and a thorough understanding of restorative justice principles
• Understand the needs of victims of crime and their relationship with the criminal justice system and Youth Justice Service, including relevant legislation protecting victims' rights.
• Understand reasons why children commit offences, including understanding the impact of trauma and difficulties in family relationships
• Understanding of responsibilities in terms of Health and Safety, security, confidentiality and data protection including risk assessment procedures
• Experience of working with victims of crime
• Experience of working with children, their families and communities
• Experience of delivering services in line with specified performance targets
• Experience of developing constructive working relationships and of working in partnership to deliver work to set deadlines
• Experience of working flexibly
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
• Ability to demonstrate energy, perseverance and belief in people's potential to change.
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
• Knowledge of target setting and performance monitoring systems
• Understanding of effective practice in work with children involved in offending behaviour
• Experience of working with young children involved in offending behaviour
  
  Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
  
  a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further