Violence Reduction Officer

Job Description

Description for Internal Candidates

***If You are a Contingent (Agency) Worker, please click here to apply for this job.***

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

The Safer Communities Service has a key role in supporting people throughout the borough and currently includes the following strands:

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) - Community Engagement - Crime Reduction, which includes the management of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Community Safety - Licensing – Prevent - Statutory Nuisance - Trading Standards - Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) - Violence Reduction (Public Health response to Violence).

The Violence Reduction Team brings together professionals from the local authority, health services and the police to provide a multi-agency approach to breaking the cycle of involvement in violence; both as victims and as perpetrators.

We remain committed to ensuring that Lewisham is a place where those who experience any crime and violence has their experiences validated, are empowered to recover, and are supported within our inclusive and diverse community. The successful candidate will support the Safer Communities Service to deliver on key strategies that ensure the delivery of this aim through their thorough understanding of violence reduction both nationally and locally.

The role

A vacancy has arisen for the role of Violence Reduction Officer within Lewisham Safer Communities Violence Reduction Team (VRT). The Violence Reduction Officer will be responsible for the delivery of violence reduction strategies within Lewisham through engaging young people, families and the wider community.

The post holder will assist in the prevention and reduction of crime and violence in Lewisham by identifying areas to mitigate violence and crime and leading on projects to address this. This may incorporate, but is not limited to, project work, outreach, case management, group sessions and community engagement.

The post holder will also be responsible for the recording, monitoring and evaluation of their work undertaken as part of the programme.

What we are looking for:

• Strong ability to prioritise and manage time effectively to ensure that tasks are executed efficiently, especially when working under significant pressure.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and significant experience in developing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from a range of diverse backgrounds
• Significant experience of working directly with young people and families who are at risk of violence.
• Experience of risk management and assessment in the context of violence reduction.
• A comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of violence, and the knowledge of the factors that contribute to increased vulnerability to such violence. In addition, the ability to analyse the underlying factors and implement effective strategies aimed at reducing violence and mitigating associated risks.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

Location

Whilst the job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, we operate a hybrid approach whereby you may be required to work both in the office, visit and attend meetings and appointments across the borough, and from home as determined by service requirements. There may also be appointments outside of the borough which you may be required to attend on behalf of the service.

Special conditions

• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check
• The delivery of this project should be within flexible hours, as it is anticipated that some evening and weekend work will be required.
• This post is funded until 31st March 2028 on a Fixed Term Contract

The recruitment process is anonymous, and we don’t accept CVs.

Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Roberta Raftopoulos, Safer Communities Violence Reduction Team Manager, Roberta.Raftopoulos@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£44,235 - £45,852 per annum (PO1)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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