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- Tasks: Support participants in a correctional setting through group and one-on-one interventions.
- Company: Join a community-focused, employee-owned organisation making a difference across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, volunteer days, healthcare cash plan, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals reintegrate into society and change their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or criminal justice is preferred but not essential; confidence is key.
- Other info: Permanent position at HMP Eastwood Park with a competitive salary and supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 24650 - 29000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Custody Support Worker to join our CFO Evolution team. You’ll be required to carry out tasks for a caseload of participants in a correctional setting, starting with the first engagement and evaluation. Participants will get motivational support and direction to help them stay engaged throughout the duration of their sentence. You’ll provide both group work and one-on-one interventions to help participants overcome obstacles and reintegrate into their communities, carrying out efficient pre-release in preparation to facilitate a seamless integration into the community.
Our successful candidate will ideally have experience in probation/social care or experience working within the criminal justice sector. However, we appreciate that not everyone can tick every single box, so we’re looking for someone confident who is comfortable working with a diverse range of people from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances and can coach/mentor them. This is a rewarding opportunity that will allow you to help our participants change their lives around!
In return for your dedication, knowledge, and commitment, we offer a competitive salary of £24,650 - £29,000 per annum (dependent on experience) with these great benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays + Birthday Day off (with the opportunity to buy an additional 5 days)
- 2 Volunteer Days
- Pension - 5% Employee 5% Employer
- Healthcare Cash Plan, incl. 3 x salary life assurance
- Annual salary pay review
- Refer a friend scheme
- Free access to Benefit Hub - an online portal with access to a wide range of retail discounts, cycle to work scheme, and additional voluntary benefits
Location: HMP Eastwood Park
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 27 May 2025
Skills and Experience
- IAG Level 3 - desirable
- Experience managing a caseload of participants - desirable
- Knowledge of inputting and retrieving electronic data and maintaining computer-based information systems in an accurate and timely manner. Experience in a target-driven environment
- Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to relate to people at all levels and in a variety of settings
- Ability to motivate and sustain engagement of individuals.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet individual performance targets and contribute towards meeting team performance targets in line with contractual requirements.
- Closely collaborate with volunteer peer mentors and/or mentors to help manage your caseload more effectively and connect participants with resources for housing, substance use, physical and mental health, etc.
- Individually and as a team member, contribute towards a learning environment in which all colleagues are enabled to develop their skills and experience, and engage in activities to share best practice.
- Ensure effective case management and co-ordination of risk with a particular focus on safeguarding of adults and children. This includes the timely notification of concerns regarding changes in individual risk to the Probation Service and adhering to systems, policies and procedures to support the management of risk.
- Ensure all contractual targets are met.
Contact Detail:
Communities and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Custody Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the criminal justice system and the specific challenges faced by individuals in custody. Understanding their needs will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the probation and social care sectors. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities within our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to work with diverse groups by sharing relevant experiences in your conversations. Highlight any previous roles where you’ve successfully engaged with individuals from various backgrounds, as this is crucial for the Custody Support Worker position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific examples where you've motivated or mentored someone through a challenging situation. This will illustrate your coaching skills and ability to support participants effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Custody Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in probation, social care, or the criminal justice sector. Emphasise any roles where you've managed a caseload or provided support to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for helping others and your understanding of the challenges faced by participants in a correctional setting. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as communication and motivational skills.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as your ability to motivate and engage individuals. Provide examples of how you've successfully supported others in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Communities and Education
✨Show Your Passion for Support Work
Make sure to express your genuine interest in helping individuals reintegrate into their communities. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups in the past. Highlight your ability to listen actively and adapt your communication style to suit different individuals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully motivated or supported someone through a difficult time, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Criminal Justice Sector
Brush up on your knowledge of the criminal justice system and current issues affecting it. Being informed will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the environment you'll be working in.
