At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women pre-release from custody, focusing on accommodation, finance, and social inclusion.
- Company: Community-based organisation dedicated to empowering women and best practices.
- Benefits: 35-hour work week, 30 days paid holiday, employee discounts, and career development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience in case-working with women.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are a community‑based organisation that leads best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community, providing care in local settings and at our women’s centres, and working in close partnership with other agencies. The Advance Prison Advocate will support sentenced women facing imminent release from custody, providing pre‑release support focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion. The role involves developing a referral pathway with the Offender Management team, working with existing service providers in prison, and co‑designing person‑centred support and action plans. You will support women in addressing their needs and risks stemming from the interventions identified, including providing gate‑support where appropriate, combining a case‑work‑based approach with signposting and advice.
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments for persons with disabilities or special needs. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and we will aim to accommodate you.
Key responsibilities- Build strong relationships with the Pre‑Release teams to ensure access to suitable accommodation, finance, benefits, debt, family, and social inclusion support.
- Negotiate terms on behalf of women and ensure interventions meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds.
- Provide referrals to wider partner organisations in the community to address post‑release needs and ensure continuity of support.
- Maintain and update caseload records, focus on action plan goals, and meet deadlines.
- Complete trauma‑informed support and action plans in collaboration with women to achieve timely and prescribed outcomes.
- Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system through academic study and/or practical work.
- Evidence of case‑working experience delivering gender‑specific, trauma‑responsive interventions supporting resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills; ability to work calmly in a prison environment.
- Ability to manage a caseload, maintain accurate records, and keep to deadlines.
- Capacity to complete trauma‑informed support and action plans in collaboration with clients.
- Car available is desirable but not essential.
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. All employees are offered equal opportunity in recruitment, selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits. We make reasonable adjustments as required under the Equality Act 2010.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits- 35‑hour working week
- Exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro‑rated for part‑time), + public holidays (nearly 40 paid days per year!)
- Additional days off for International Women’s Day, religious observance, and moving home
- Perkbox – employee discount platform with rewards and 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
- One‑week paid carers leave
- Career development pathways
Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate employer: Advance Charity
As a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting women, we offer a rewarding work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous benefits package including 30 days of paid holiday, enhanced maternity provisions, and access to career development pathways, our culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your contributions and promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the criminal justice field, especially those who work with women in similar roles. Attend events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community-based approaches we value.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding our mission and values. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by women in the system and think about how your experience aligns with our approach to trauma-informed support. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show us you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your knowledge of the criminal justice system and any case-working you've done. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've supported women in similar situations. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about supporting women. In your application, emphasise your ability to create person-centred support plans and how you've worked collaboratively with clients in the past. Show us your empathy and understanding of their needs!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community-focused team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the criminal justice system and trauma-informed care. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by women in custody and post-release. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the context and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your case-working experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported individuals, particularly women, through challenging situations. Highlight any gender-specific or trauma-responsive interventions you've implemented, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships is crucial, especially since the role involves working closely with various teams and clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to supporting women and how they measure success in their programmes. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
