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- Tasks: Support women in prison with practical and emotional guidance for a successful re-entry into society.
- Company: Join Advance Charity, a feminist organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days paid holiday, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in the criminal justice system and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 29000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for two Specialist Prison and Probation Advocates.
- Salary: £27,000 - £29,000 (pro rata)
- Location: HMP Bronzefield
- Hours: 21 hours per week
- Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027
Note: This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. This condition is included in line with the job purpose and is a legally compliant requirement.
References, right to work, DBS and Vetting: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Prison Vetting level EL2.
About us: Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community. We are a community-based organisation that leads in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community, meeting and supporting women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies. Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
The role: The Advance Prison Advocate will support women on remand and those unsentenced within the prison setting, providing pre-release support focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion. You will develop a referral pathway with the Offender Management team within the prison, and work in partnership with existing service providers operating within the prison. You will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to help address their needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified above, including providing through-the-gate support. The role combines a casework-based approach with a signposting and advice service for women in custody.
You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally with prisoners and/or their families. You will build strong relationships with Pre-Release teams to ensure clients can maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support, including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists. A car may be desirable but not essential.
About you: To be successful as the Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:
- Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, or experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).
- Experience as a caseworker delivering gender-specific and trauma-responsive interventions supporting resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system, whether in the community or in prisons.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills and the ability to work in a prison environment while remaining calm.
- Knowledge and understanding of managing a caseload, including maintaining and updating records, focusing on action plan goals, and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to complete trauma-informed, supportive action plans in collaboration with the woman to address multiple and individual needs and enable engagement with services to achieve timely outcomes.
How to apply: Please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter via our website.
Job close date: Sunday 3 May 2026
Interview dates: week commencing Monday 4 May 2026
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities: We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding: Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero tolerance of harm and expects all staff to share this commitment. We follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, including pre-employment checks, DBS checks, and identity checks. All staff undertake safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities to empower them to respond appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
- 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), plus public holidays on top
- Additional days off for International Women’s Day, religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox – employee discount platform
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for frontline staff
- Refer a Friend Scheme – £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation-wide away days
- One-week paid carers’ leave
- Career development pathways
Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate x 2 in Ashford employer: Advance Charity
Contact Detail:
Advance Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate x 2 in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with organisations that align with your values. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Advance Charity and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their feminist agenda and how you can contribute to empowering women.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to working in challenging environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Advance Charity.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate x 2 in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate. Highlight your relevant experience in the criminal justice system and any work you've done with women in challenging environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting women in the criminal justice system. Share specific examples of your experience and how they relate to the role. Remember, we love a personal touch!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an advocate, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally. We want to see how you can build relationships and support women in a multi-agency environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your CV and cover letter. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Advance Charity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the criminal justice system and the specific challenges faced by women in this context. Brush up on relevant legislation and policies, as well as the ethos of Advance Charity. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with women in challenging environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals through trauma-informed practices and casework. Highlight any partnerships you've built with other agencies, as collaboration is key in this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would explain complex issues simply and effectively, especially when discussing sensitive topics with clients or colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the support systems in place for advocates, or how Advance measures success in their programmes. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.