Victim Care Officer

Restorative and Community Justice Officer

Organisation: Restorative Justice Services

Reporting to: Service Manager

Location: Marshalsea Court, Merchant’s Quay, Dublin 8, with travel within and outside County Dublin

Contract: Permanent, subject to funding

Hours: 35 hours per week, excluding lunch breaks

Salary: 8-point PayScale starting at €39,885 – It is expected that new starters with two years' experience will join on point 1, however, applicants exceeding essential requirements may be placed on a higher point on the scale

Closing Date: 12 Noon Friday 13th November 2026

About Restorative Justice Services

Restorative Justice Services (RJS) provides restorative and community justice interventions for people affected by crime and harm. Our work focuses on supporting victims, people who have caused harm, families and communities to participate in safe, fair and constructive processes.

RJS employees work collaboratively across the organisation and with statutory and voluntary sector partners. The successful candidate will join a committed Service Team and contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality restorative justice services.

About the Role

As a Restorative and Community Justice Officer, you will facilitate restorative and community justice interventions that respond to the needs of victims of crime while supporting people who have caused harm to recognise and address the impact of their behaviour.

You will support all participants throughout the process, ensuring that interventions are fair, safe, respectful and empowering. You will work directly with victims of crime, people who have caused harm, families, community representatives and statutory and voluntary agencies.

RJS and its employees do not provide legal advice on criminal matters as part of their engagement with victims of crime or people who have caused harm.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Deliver an efficient, effective and high-quality service to people engaging with RJS.
• Facilitate restorative and community justice interventions in office and community settings, in line with the RJS model of practice.
• Work directly with victims of crime, people who have caused harm, families, community representatives and statutory agencies.
• Manage all aspects of allocated referrals under the direction of the Service Manager.
• Liaise with voluntary and statutory organisations as required in relation to referrals.
• Ensure that all interventions are conducted in a safe, respectful and appropriately supported manner.

Communication and Administration

• Participate actively in organisational and team meetings.
• Maintain accurate participant records and information in line with organisational policies and relevant legislation.
• Complete required documentation and administrative tasks associated with referrals and interventions.
• Participate in training, supervision and other support arrangements.
• Contribute to the induction, training and ongoing support of RJS volunteers and new employees.

Service Development

• Contribute to the development and review of RJS services in line with the organisation’s strategic plan.
• Contribute to policy development and review.
• Support and participate in research, monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve service quality and participant experience.

Networking and Representation

• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with organisations that work with RJS.
• Represent RJS at meetings, events and other relevant forums as required.
• Promote understanding of restorative and community justice through professional networking and partnership working.

Teamwork

• Participate actively in team discussions and contribute to the resolution of issues affecting service delivery.
• Work respectfully and collaboratively with RJS employees, volunteers and Directors.
• Support colleagues and contribute to effective, high-quality service delivery.
• Carry out other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and responsibilities of the role.
• The duties listed above are not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties in the course of their employment with Restorative Justice Services.

Working Arrangements

The full-time working week is 35 hours, excluding lunch breaks. Employees must be available to work between 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., depending on the needs of the organisation. Occasional work outside these hours may be required and forms part of the normal working conditions of the role.

RJS operates a compressed working week over four and a half days. Full-time employees generally work longer hours from Monday to Thursday and a half day on Friday

RJS also operates a hybrid working model combining office-based, community-based and remote working. Remote working may take place from home or another suitable location within the counties in which RJS operates.

Hybrid working is subject to a suitability assessment and will generally be available following the successful completion of the induction period. These arrangements operate in line with the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and relevant organisational policies.

Essential Requirements

To apply, you must have:

• At least two year direct relevant experience working with adults/young people affected by crime, including victims and/or people who have caused harm (Relevant volunteering and placement may be considered) *.
• A relevant QQI Level 7 qualification or equivalent.
• A clear understanding of restorative justice principles and practice.
• Working knowledge of the Irish criminal justice system.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• The ability to work respectfully and constructively with internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A positive and proactive approach to work and the responsibilities associated with the role.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.

*Candidates with less than 2 years direct relevant experience may be considered for the role, however, they will be appointed on a lower PayScale starting at €36,500

Desirable Requirements

• A recognised qualification or training in restorative justice, restorative practice, mediation and/or conflict resolution.
• Experience of working with victims of crime, people who have caused harm, families, communities or criminal justice agencies.
• Experience of facilitating structured conversations, interventions or group processes.

Additional Information

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Ireland and be legally entitled to work in paid employment for at least two years from the application closing date. Evidence of this entitlement will be requested.

This role is subject to Garda vetting.

The successful candidate may be required to provide suitable references.

The role involves travel within and outside County Dublin.

What We Offer

A salary of up to €39,885 per annum, depending on relevant professional experience and placement on the salary scale.

27 days’ annual leave.

Two organisation days, taken at Easter and Christmas.

Sick leave scheme.

Employee Assistance Programme.

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, subject to suitability and organisational requirements.

Opportunities to participate in training, service development, research and evaluation.

The opportunity to contribute to meaningful restorative justice work supporting individuals, families and communities affected by crime and harm.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a one-page cover letter combined into a single document.

Your cover letter should address:

• Your understanding of restorative justice principles and how they inform your approach when working with victims, people who have caused harm and other stakeholders.
• Your working knowledge of the Irish criminal justice system, including any relevant experience or understanding of how restorative justice services operate within this context.
• Relevant examples from your professional, voluntary or academic experience that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Please upload your combined document using the link by 12.00 noon on 13th November 2026.