Victim and Witness Support Officer Full Time NEW

Job Description
This officer is responsible for providing and coordinating therapeutic support and information to victims and witnesses of crime regarding available support services. The Victim and Witness Support Officer plays a multifaceted role across various settings, assessing individuals’ psychosocial and mental health needs, developing treatment plans, coordinating victim support services, delivering crisis intervention, offering counselling and therapy, connecting individuals with community resources, and advocating for their well-being. Additionally, the role involves addressing broader social factors influencing mental health within families, schools, and community organizations that impact victims of crime.
Key and Critical Responsibilities
Assesses the needs of victims and witnesses of crime and tailor’s solutions to suit those needs.
Assists victims and witnesses of crime to cope with trauma and other effects of crime through therapeutic and psychological intervention methods.
Advises victims and witnesses of crime on the progress of investigations and the prosecution of cases.
Provides victims of crime with early assistance to prevent repeat victimization.
Establishes a system to identify repeat victims quickly and accurately.
Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual and other reports as may be requested.
Serves as a member of the Crisis Response Team, providing immediate on-scene support to victims of crime and traumatic incident.
Participates in training and preparedness exercises to enhance crisis intervention strategies.
Ensures effective follow-up services for child and adult victims to track progress and support long-term recovery.
Conducts assessments to identify victims’ and witnesses’ psychosocial and mental health needs.
Collaborates with support agencies and professionals to ensure comprehensive care for victims and witnesses by working with multi-disciplinary Teams.
Connects individuals with referrals to appropriate community resources and support network.
Advocates for the well-being and rights of victims and witnesses within legal and social frameworks.
Provides mental health awareness, prevention programs and psychoeducational workshops for schools, businesses, community groups and stakeholders.
Facilitates organization and community initiatives aimed at crime prevention and victim support.
Sensitizes victims on basic elements of the investigative and criminal justice system processes.
Provides emotional support towards victims/ witnesses participating effectively in statements, identification parades and various activities of the investigations.
Performs liaison services between the police officer and the victim or witness.
Provides emotional support to prepare victims/witnesses to give evidence in Court.
Accompanies victims/witnesses to court proceedings.
Accompanies victims/witnesses to investigative procedures at hospital/clinic/health centre.
Provides support at funerals and accompaniment for matters such as Homicides.
Provides accompaniment and emotional support during Forensic activities.
Emotionally support victims with the preparation of Victim Impact Statements upon request from the judicial agencies e.g. the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Magistracy.
Provides crisis intervention, psychosocial support and counselling to individuals, families and groups.
Provides safety planning and guidance for victims and witnesses.
Conducts mental health assessments to determine children’s readiness to participate in Court and prepare related reports e.g. AJIPPA.
Develops and implement individual intervention plans for children referred presenting adverse behavioral issues.
Engages parents or guardians for the child and promotes involvement of relatives within the intervention plan, towards the benefit of the child referred.
Facilitates Support Groups for crime victims or witnesses.
Prepares case reports.
Conducts case management duties for all cases being serviced.
Prepares crisis intervention reports and recommendations.
Engages in training and mentoring of practicum students and interns from tertiary institutions.
Conducts data analysis of victim services provided.
Performs any related tasks as required.

Key Competencies
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE:

Sound knowledge on the impact of broader social factors on mental health and recovery.
Knowledge of victimology and related concepts would be an asset.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent Report Writing skills.
Ability to work in a team.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Ability to exercise initiative and work with minimal supervision.
Strong advocacy skills to support and empower victims and witnesses.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, particularly in crises.
Ability to manage multiple cases effectively while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Ability to work within various settings, including family environments, schools and communities
High level of emotional intelligence and resilience when supporting individuals in distress.
Proficiency in using technology and case management systems for documentation and reporting.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a related Social Science
Two years experience providing psychosocial assistance would be an asset
A minimum of two years’ experience in the social services field would be an asset
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.)
Any other equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered