At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals transitioning from prison to community by attending appointments and providing a listening ear.
- Company: Together Drug and Alcohol Service, dedicated to making positive changes in people's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that transforms lives and supports those in need.
- Qualifications: Confident, friendly, and willing to learn; lived experience is a plus.
Together Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Devon. It provides support and interventions for those wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as raising awareness and supporting family members. We have a dedicated Criminal Justice Team that helps people who have become involved in the criminal justice system and who wish to make changes to their drug and/or alcohol use. This involves writing reports to the Court in line with community sentencing, liaising with Probation to facilitate Court Orders relating to drug and/or alcohol use, and supporting those released from prison as they transition back to community living.
Role Overview
We are looking for a volunteer to meet people on the day they are released from prison, who can support these individuals to attend initial appointments across organisations in the community. This role would be well suited to someone looking to gain experience working within the criminal justice system and who is willing to develop an understanding of the challenges the early days of living back in the community can bring. Individuals with lived experience are also strongly encouraged. Volunteers would need to be available from 8am on the day(s) they volunteer, to meet clients in the reception lounge of HMP Exeter / HMP Channing’s Wood.
Tasks
- Supporting people to attend appointments with probation, allocated police officers or Together Drug and Alcohol Services.
- Providing a supportive, non-judgemental and listening ear.
- Co-facilitating group support sessions, including SMART Recovery meetings (training provided).
- Signposting to other activities / support the service user to work alongside other organisations e.g. GP or additional mental health support services.
All volunteers are asked to adhere to organisational policies including safeguarding, information governance and health and safety.
Qualifications & Skills
We would love you to bring to this role:
- A confident and friendly approach
- A willingness to learn
- Ability to problem solve
- Awareness of the challenges / barriers faced by people entering / at risk of entering the criminal justice system
Skills we would like you to bring to the role:
- Confident IT skills – aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules
- Professional, honest and committed
- Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience of criminal justice, drugs/alcohol addiction and recovery, mental health or other associated issues
- Good time keeping
- Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
- A driving licence and own transport would be an advantage but is not essential
- An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.
- A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training.
What We Offer
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role-specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and Accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
Prison to Community Link Volunteer employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Together Drug and Alcohol Service is an exceptional employer, offering volunteers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals transitioning from prison to community living. With a supportive work culture that prioritises personal development and training, volunteers can gain invaluable experience within the criminal justice system while being part of a compassionate team dedicated to fostering positive change. Located in Devon, this role not only provides opportunities for professional growth but also encourages inclusivity and values lived experiences, making it a rewarding environment for all involved.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison to Community Link Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Together Drug and Alcohol Service. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experiences align with their goals. This will help you show them you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills! As a volunteer, you'll be supporting individuals who may be going through tough times. Think about how you can demonstrate empathy and understanding during your conversations. Maybe even role-play with a friend to get comfortable with this.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your own experiences! If you have lived experience related to the criminal justice system or addiction, don’t shy away from discussing it. It can really resonate with those you’ll be helping and shows that you truly understand their challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join us. By applying online, you can ensure your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it’s a great way to show your tech-savviness, which is a bonus for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison to Community Link Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what it entails.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are passionate about making a difference. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about supporting individuals in the criminal justice system or those facing challenges with drugs and alcohol.
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for both of us, please apply through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Together Drug and Alcohol Service. Understand their mission, vision, and the specific challenges they address. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any experience working with individuals in the criminal justice system or in support roles, make sure to bring it up during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've helped others, especially in challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
This role requires a non-judgmental approach and a supportive attitude. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations and show that you can empathise with those facing challenges related to drug and alcohol use. Your ability to connect on a personal level is crucial.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training provided, the team dynamics, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
