At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families visiting loved ones in a welcoming environment and provide essential information.
- Company: Pact, a supportive organisation focused on family welfare in challenging circumstances.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, counselling services, training opportunities, and more.
- Other info: Equal opportunity employer welcoming diverse applicants, including those with criminal convictions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Empathy, organisational skills, and some IT knowledge are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29432 - 29432 £ per year.
Are you a real 'people person'? Are you a quick learner who's organised and keen to help out? Well, you might just be the person we need. As a Pact Visits Centre Assistant, you will provide support to families visiting loved ones. You will work as one of the family team based primarily in the prison's visitor centre, but also across the visits hall, play area and tea bar to provide a safe and welcoming environment, and provide advice, support and information to friends and families visiting the prison.
About You: To be successful in this role you will have empathy and understanding of working with families in challenging circumstances, ideally involving prisoners and/or their families. You will also have excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a demanding workload. You will support colleagues in Pact’s family work, have some IT skills and may even have knowledge of safeguarding/child protection. You'll be used to dealing with people from all sorts of backgrounds and working in partnership with different agencies and organisations. In short, you're a real 'people person' who will roll their sleeves up, work hard and add value to the visits centre team in any way that's needed.
What Pact Offer: Pact offers a wide range of employee benefits including free confidential advice and counselling service, cycle to work scheme, life assurance, eye care vouchers, generous annual leave plus more. You will have the opportunity to attend internal training events to further develop yourself as an effective support worker and you will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.
How to Apply: If you feel you meet the requirements of this post please complete an application form by clicking the 'apply now' button. Please note: we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Other Information: Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).
Working Rota: Mon/Tue/Wed WK1 Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun WK2. This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), Prison Vetting and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgments may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison. If you have lived abroad for 12 months or more (in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over), you will need to present a certificate of good conduct from the Police Force of the country of residence. Having a full, clean UK driving licence and vehicle would be desirable for this role.
Visits Centre Assistant - 21 Hours employer: PACT
Pact is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the charity sector while working remotely. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, staff are empowered to lead innovative data initiatives that enhance engagement with supporters and service users. Join us in our mission to transform lives through data-driven insights and enjoy the benefits of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visits Centre Assistant - 21 Hours
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like PACT, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at PACT. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through PACT's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Visits Centre Assistant - 21 Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at PACT. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at PACT.
How to prepare for a job interview at PACT
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with PACT.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Visits Centre Assistant - 21 Hours at PACT.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show PACT that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Visits Centre Assistant - 21 Hours role.
