At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver impactful family services in a prison setting.
- Company: Values-driven organisation focused on rehabilitation and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to empower diverse communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 € per year.
Location: Based within HMP Altcourse, Fazakerley, Liverpool. Step free access is available at this service. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office and for in‑person meetings held off site.
Salary: £38,000
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational requirements, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, and forming part of the out of hours on‑call rota for managers.
About the Role
We are seeking a Family Service Manager to lead our flagship family service based in HMP Altcourse. This is an ideal opportunity if you are seeking a hands‑on role within a prison setting, confident in working in complex environments and want to create meaningful change within punitive systems. You will lead a multidisciplinary team who deliver high‑quality therapeutically informed, arts‑based work with men in prison and their families. You will bring together creative group interventions, bespoke family counselling services, and day‑to‑day operational and practical family support within a complex prison environment. As the Family Service Manager, you will lead a team of Programme Coordinators, Facilitators, Family Counsellors, a Deputy Service Manager and other appropriate staff. The team supports operational booking for all social visits and delivers programmes such as Fathers Inside and Man Up which have received national recognition being delivered nationally across custodial and community settings.
The role requires leadership experience, managing a diverse team, with line‑management responsibilities to support, enable and empower your team to deliver high‑quality support to participants of our programmes and their families. You will work closely with prison and Sodexo colleagues, as well as other internal SIG teams to ensure innovative, safe and compassionate service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Line‑management throughout the employee lifecycle, embedding a culture of learning, development, reflection and evaluation.
- Creative leadership of creating and delivering engaging high‑quality services and interventions which support rehabilitation, reintegration and culture shifts in systems of power and compliance.
- Manage day‑to‑day operational delivery of programmes, the service and the visitors centre.
- Ensure core responsibilities and contractual requirements are fulfilled.
- Strive to ensure excellence and quality in our service delivery.
About You
This is a role for you if you truly believe change happens through relationships, not control; you will lead with warmth and clarity and hold care and accountability together. You will be part of a values‑led organisation that takes people, reflection and creativity seriously. You will be comfortable working within a prison setting, with regular interactions with people from all backgrounds and circumstances that have led to them being imprisoned. We’re seeking a proactive leader, a person who can motivate and empower a team to drive excellence, both as individuals and as a team, while providing practical solutions to challenges which arise.
You will be knowledgeable of the criminal justice setting and ideally have experience within a similar environment. We’re looking for someone who can build rapport, trust and create an environment which allows individuals to grow their skills and experience and develop as individuals. Previous experience in facilitation of group programmes and/or training to various groups, ideally in a similar creative setting. Experience of working with and engaging with diverse groups of people from varying backgrounds. Demonstrable experience in leading a service/team in a similar capacity. Ability to provide high‑quality support and line management to staff. Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve KPIs. Ability to promote the service externally to enhance reputation in the area and with partner organisations. Ability to work flexibly to meet the demands and needs of the service. For example, provide an emergency on‑call service as and when required in case of emergency. IT proficiency – we use various systems so look for someone who can learn and navigate new systems including case management, Microsoft, ATS, HR systems and other types of organisational software. Alignment with our values of ambition, empowerment, inclusivity and transparency.
Please note that because this role is based within a prison environment, further vetting from SIG’s enhanced DBS will be required such as MOJ clearance.
Family Service Manager employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
As a Family Service Manager at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, you will join a values-driven organisation dedicated to creating meaningful change within the criminal justice system. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities, while our innovative programmes like Fathers Inside and Man Up empower both staff and participants alike. With a focus on collaboration and compassion, we offer a unique chance to make a real impact in the lives of families affected by incarceration, all within a dynamic and engaging environment.
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Family Service Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to rehabilitation and family support. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and team management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. We believe it’s a great way to keep you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading teams and working in complex environments. We want to see how your skills align with the Family Service Manager role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your leadership approach. We’re looking for someone who leads with warmth and clarity, so share examples of how you’ve motivated and empowered teams in the past. This will help us see if you’re a good fit for our values.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in the criminal justice setting or similar environments. We value candidates who understand the complexities of working within such systems, so make sure to include any relevant roles or projects.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the prison setting and the specific challenges it presents. Understanding the dynamics of working within a correctional facility will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Family Service Manager.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership experience, especially in managing diverse teams. Highlight situations where you've empowered team members or driven change, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Be ready to discuss how you build rapport and trust with both staff and service users. Share specific instances where your approach has led to positive outcomes, reflecting the organisation's values of care and accountability.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Expect questions about how you handle unexpected challenges. Prepare to share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances and provided practical solutions, showcasing your ability to work flexibly in a demanding environment.