Role Profile

PS Job Description (JD)
PS Band 4
Directorate: Probation Service
Job Description: Victim Liaison Officer

Document Ref.
PS-JES-0046 Pay Band 4 Victim Liaison Officer
Document Type
Management
Version
4.0
Classification
Official
Date of Issue
24 January 2024
Status
Baselined
Produced by
Job Evaluation Assurance and Support Team
Authorised by
Reward Team
JD Evidence

PS-JES-0046 Pay Band 4 Victim Liaison Officer v4.0

Job Description
Job Title
Victim Liaison Officer
Directorate
Probation Service
Band
PS Band 4

Overview of the
The job holder will work with victims of crime and victims’ families
job
who are participating in, or are being considered for inclusion in,
the statutory Probation Service (PS) Victim Contact Scheme
(VCS) or Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The job holder will
work in accordance with the PS VCS and VNS Guidance,
relevant policies, and legislation to contribute to the assessment
and management of risk posed by offenders in order to protect
the public. They will liaise with victims and their families to
provide them with information about significant developments
during the offender’s sentence or order and enable victims and
their families to participate by making representations to inform
decision-making around risk management. The job holder will
also liaise with relevant professionals across organisations and
contribute to inter-agency meetings to ensure that the views of
victims and their families have been considered.
Summary
The post holder will have direct contact with individuals and their
families who have been victims of serious crimes, including those
involving violent, sexual, or stalking and harassment offences.

The key roles of the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) are to:

-  Provide information to victims and their families during the key
stages of the offender’s sentence/hospital order and
contribute towards the assessment and management of the
risk of harm to victims and their families.
-  Liaise with, provide, and analyse information for, and give
advice to criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies
to ensure that the perspectives of victims and their families
have been considered.
-  Work in partnership with other agencies with the aim of
preventing reoffending and meet the needs of victims, whilst
considering the rights and needs of offenders.

The post holder requires knowledge and understanding of the
criminal justice system, including the functions of the courts,
prisons, probation, and the Parole Board, as well as Youth
Justice Services and the arrangements for Mentally Disordered
Offenders. The post holder will be required to travel on a regular
basis to maintain contact with victims, their families, and other
professionals who may be based across rural and urban areas.

The post holder must work within the aims and values of the PS
and HM Prison and Probation Service. This includes
demonstrating a commitment to equality and inclusion in line with
PS policies and procedures.

PS-JES-0046 Pay Band 4 Victim Liaison Officer v4.0

The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the
sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst
working in this position.

Some out of hours working may be required during the week and
weekends.

Responsibilities,  The job holder will be required to carry out the following
Activities &
responsibilities, activities and duties set out below:
Duties

•  Liaise with the victims and their families to ensure they are
informed about key stages and developments regarding an
offender’s sentence or hospital order as set out in the VCS
and VNS.
•  Use computer-based administrative systems to obtain
relevant information and to produce, update and maintain
records relating to victims, and other documentation, within
agreed timescales.
•  Assess the risks and needs of victims and their families
and complete any required actions within appropriate
timescales including home and/or alternate location visits
as required in accordance with the PS VCS and VNS
Guidance.
•  Identify changes in risk or need and refer to senior
managers and professionals in other agencies as
appropriate.
•  Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult
duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities
and agency policies.
•  Ensure effective referrals to, and communication with,
other probation colleagues and professionals in other
agencies.
•  Participate in a range of interprofessional meetings to
represent victims and their families (and/or the PS) to
support risk management and safeguarding of victims.
•  Carry out duties in accordance with policies and legislation
governing parole proceedings, and to support victims and
their families to write a personal statement and/or present
their statement to the parole board in person or remotely.
•  Provide training and mentoring support to new VLOs and
other probation practitioners and educate professionals
from other agencies about the VCS and VNS and their
responsibilities.
•  Engage in ongoing learning and development to maintain
up-to-date knowledge and understanding of current
policies, legislation, and best practice, including completion
of all mandatory training.
•  Provide cover within the victim liaison unit as appropriate.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is
at present and are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder
is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks
of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments
may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme
and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
PS-JES-0046 Pay Band 4 Victim Liaison Officer v4.0

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence
through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales)
Welsh.

Civil Service Success Profile Criteria

Behaviours
•  Making Effective Decisions
•  Changing and Improving
•  Delivering at Pace
•  Communicating and Influencing
•  Developing Self and Others
•  Working Together
Strengths
(Note: we recommend you choose 4 to 8 strengths locally -
select from the list of Civil Service strength definitions on the
intranet.
Ability

Experience
•  Experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds
who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties,
communicating effectively and sensitively, and working in a
trauma-informed way.
•  Experience of working with diverse communities including
promoting equality and valuing diversity.
•  Knowledge and understanding of the assessment and
management of risk in relation to offenders and victim
safeguarding.
•  Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice system
and related agencies.
Technical
•  Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English
and Maths.

Minimum
Please do not alter this box
Eligibility

•  All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to
taking up post.
•  All external candidates are subject to 6 months’
probation.  Internal candidates are subject to probation if they
have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.
•  All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a
group or organisation which HMPPS consider to be racist.

Hours of Work
37 hours per week.
(Unsocial Hours)
Allowances

PS-JES-0046 Pay Band 4 Victim Liaison Officer v4.0