At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one support to women in the criminal justice system and help them thrive.
- Company: Join an award-winning organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days paid holiday, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Driving licence, strong relationship-building skills, and knowledge of the criminal justice system.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Salary: £23,000 - £27,000 (calculated on a pro rata basis)
Location: Hampshire
Contract: Fixed Term until 31st March 2027
Hours p/w: 17.5 Hours per week
Special consideration: 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.
Notes: 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 Police Vetting.
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 who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role
- Provide holistic, one‑to‑one community support to women with a variety of needs involved in the criminal justice system, including those on probation in the community and those being released from prison as part of their post‑sentence supervision, offering some in‑reach and "Through the Gate" support.
- Work with women and a diverse range of delivery partners to ensure they meet their potential and successfully progress through, and beyond, their probation supervision.
- Meet women wherever they are in their journey and work with them to create an individualised support package that gives them the best chance of breaking the cycle of offending.
- Collaborate with a team of Community Keyworkers in your region and provide gendered, specialist support to women in the criminal justice system.
About you
- Hold a UK driving licence with access to a car that can be used for work purposes.
- Creative self‑starter who supports the service and looks for innovative solutions to support clients with complex needs.
- Confident professional relationship builder with good awareness of safeguarding procedures.
- Strong administration skills and understanding of compliant behaviours with experience of supporting.
- Good knowledge of the criminal justice system and awareness of other support provisions within the Hampshire area.
How to apply
Please apply with a cover letter and an up to date copy of your CV via our careers site. Closing date for applications: 7th June 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 15th June 2026. Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits
- 35‑hour working week
- 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), plus public holidays on top (nearly 40 days paid holiday per year)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox – an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity / adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye‑care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front‑line staff and first‑line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme – £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have any additional needs please email talent@advancecharity.org.uk and we will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
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, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre‑employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Community Keyworker - Hampshire (Part time) in Portsmouth employer: Advance Charity
Advance is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and girls, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and accountability. With generous benefits including 30 days of paid holiday (pro rata), career development pathways, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Hampshire, this role provides the unique opportunity to work closely with women in need, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Keyworker - Hampshire (Part time) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Advance and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to community support and the criminal justice system. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Keyworker - Hampshire (Part time) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Community Keyworker. Highlight your experience with women in the criminal justice system and how you can empower them. We want to see your passion for supporting others shine through!
Showcase Your Skills:In your CV, don’t just list your previous jobs. Instead, focus on the skills that make you a great fit for this role, like your strong administration skills and knowledge of safeguarding procedures. We love seeing how you can bring innovative solutions to the table!
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your personality come through! We’re looking for creative self-starters who can build professional relationships. Share your story and what drives you to support women in need.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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. Research Advance's values and mission, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their approach to supporting women.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong administration skills and your ability to build professional relationships. Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with others or found innovative solutions to complex problems, as these are key for the Community Keyworker role.
✨Be Person-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to providing holistic, one-to-one support. Share your thoughts on how you would create individualised support packages for women, demonstrating your understanding of their diverse needs and your ability to meet them where they are.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, the types of partnerships Advance has with other agencies, or how they measure success in supporting women. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged!
