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Victim Support Volunteer - Dundee

Victim Support Scotland
VO97575

This is a unique opportunity for you to make a positive difference to the lives of victims and witnesses affected by crime. Crime can affect anyone in Scotland and every one of us can help. Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence. What sets us apart from other support organisations is that we are available to all victims of crime no matter what it is or when it happened.

We are looking for more people to join our incredible team of volunteers who provide information, guidance, emotional support and practical assistance to help anyone affected by crime, including victims, witnesses their families and friends. This may take place in person, online, and in court.

How would you help?

Our Support Volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives. This includes:-

• Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact.
• Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits.
• Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users.
• Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members.
• Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey.

What are the benefits to me ?

Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. Each time you volunteer you make a positive difference to someone’s life. As a volunteer you will:

· Support people when they most need it.
· Learn new skills and knowledge of the criminal justice sector
· Gain access to a range of specialist training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role.
· Positively contribute to your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime.
· A chance to give something back.
· Receive support in your volunteering role to deliver services effectively.
· All agreed expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed.

Experience required

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills. · Active listening skills. · An empathetic nature with the ability to develop rapport with people affected by crime. · A non-judgemental and accepting approach to working with people from all sections of the community. · An interest in learning about the Criminal Justice System and understanding the challenges a service user might face. · A desire to continue developing skills and knowledge throughout your volunteering time
with Victim Support.