Trading Standards Scams Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job description     Trading Standards Scams Officer 

Our local authority client are looking for a Trading Standards Scams Officer to join them on a temporary basis until March 2023.

You will visit and work with potential scams victims to provide advice and support to prevent further financial abuse. You will also make referrals as necessary to partner agencies for health, wellbeing and social care services.

You’ll need to provide advice and education on a proactive basis to increase awareness of scams and associated financial abuse. To work with other council services, partners and other enforcement agencies, to help achieve the aims of the Trading Standards Service and the County Council.

Main Duties:

To visit potential victims of scams to offer advice and support to prevent further financial abuse. To build and maintain effective working relationships with victims and where appropriate their family and carers to deliver positive outcomes preventing further financial abuse.

To maintain accurate records of work completed and ensuring all relevant databases are kept up to date with activity undertaken and ensure data protection procedures are adhered to.

To engage with partner agencies to deliver joint responses to alleged incidents of scams and abuse and to ensure appropriate support packages are delivered to vulnerable clients.

To liaise with financial institutions to ensure adequate safeguards are set up for identified victims of scams and financial abuse.

To offer additional advice and support during visits on relevant and agreed services provided through the ‘First Contact Plus’ referral scheme and submitting referrals as appropriate.

To refer victims of abuse to Adult Safeguarding where appropriate represent the Service at any subsequent meetings.

To be able to recognise where criminal offences have taken place, know how to gather initial evidence and refer to Trading standards enforcement colleagues or the Police as appropriate.

To participate in staff supervision, development and training and attend team meetings.

Qualifications / knowledge

Educated to NVQ level 3 or equivalent in English and Maths or experience of working within a role which requires a daily high standard of literacy and numeracy.

Knowledge of trading standards remit and functions in relation to the Care Act 2014

Knowledge of safeguarding processes and practices

Knowledge and understanding of the legislation relevant to data handling and security needed for the handling of personal data and other sensitive information

Experience

Working directly with victims either from Trading standards, Police, Adult Social Care or other relevant investigation/safeguarding role.

Experience of engaging with elderly and vulnerable people including those with dementia and mental health issues

Experience of dealing with safeguarding issues including making referrals and attending safeguarding multi agency meetings

Dealing with sensitive issues in a tactful, considerate and diplomatic manner.

Experience of providing training and delivering talks to range of audiences

Skills and Competencies

Good attention to detail

Able to communicate logically and precisely both verbally and writing

Good interpersonal and negotiation skills

Ability to motivate individuals to help them develop resilience and independent action

Ability to engage, motivate and influence  partners

Demonstrate an innovative approach to problem solving and the ability to anticipate and resolve potential problems

A willingness to provide help and support to all officers within the Trading standards service

Experience of undertaking criminal investigation and procedures.

Experience of interviewing vulnerable and intimidated victims and witnesses in Achieving best evidence (ABE) in criminal proceedings including conducting video recorded interviews