At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support and fun activities for children visiting loved ones in prison.
- Company: Join POPS, a charity dedicated to supporting families of those in prison.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Help create positive experiences for children during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and a passion for helping families.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 15 £ per hour.
Responsible to: POPS' Family Engagement Lead
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Contract: Permanent
About POPS
POPS is a Charity set up to support the loved ones of those in prison and on community sentence. The Charity was founded by prisoners’ families in 1988, we currently provide Family Support services in 15 prisons across Bristol, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Leicester, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire.
POPS values diversity. We welcome and encourage job applications from people from diverse backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates.
Purpose of the post
The post-holder will work as part of a team to provide practical and emotional advice and support to all visitors. Working within the prison may be required on occasions. Work as part of a team to the wider POPS’ staff team, to ensure that children visiting enjoy a wide range of play activities and experiences on visit sessions and also on scheduled family day events, to improve the quality of the prison visiting experience for children.
The post holder will oversee the play area within the prison visit room hall, providing a range of play activities for 2-5 year olds who are visiting their loved ones at the establishment. In addition, the post holder will prepare a range of tabletop activities for older children to engage in with their parent/carer and the person they are visiting.
Submit your application by email to recruitment@pops.org.uk. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Closing Date: TBC
Family Support Worker – HMP Manchester employer: POPS
POPS is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of families affected by incarceration. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, POPS fosters a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development, offering opportunities to engage with diverse communities in a rewarding environment. Working at HMP Manchester allows you to contribute to vital family support services while enjoying the benefits of being part of a compassionate team focused on improving the visiting experience for children and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker – HMP Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at POPS.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from POPS!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like POPS, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at POPS or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker – HMP Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to POPS:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to POPS! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at POPS
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
