At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families visiting loved ones in a welcoming environment.
- Company: Pact, a supportive organisation focused on family welfare.
- Benefits: Free counselling, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Open to all applicants, including those with a criminal conviction.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Empathy, organisational skills, and some IT knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
As a Pact Visits Centre Assistant (Family Support Worker), you will provide support to families visiting loved ones. You will work as part of the family team, primarily in the prison’s visitor centre but also across the visits hall, play area and tea bar, creating a safe and welcoming environment and giving advice, support and information to friends and families visiting the prison.
About You
To be successful in this role you will have empathy and an 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 have knowledge of safeguarding or child protection. You will be comfortable dealing with people from all backgrounds and working in partnership with different agencies and organisations.
Benefits
- Free confidential advice and counselling service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Life assurance
- Eye care vouchers
- Generous annual leave
- Opportunities for internal training and professional development
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). 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), CTC Level 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.
Visits Centre Assistant - 10 hrs employer: Prison Advice and Care Trust
Contact Detail:
Prison Advice and Care Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visits Centre Assistant - 10 hrs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those who work with families or in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the challenges families face when visiting loved ones in prison. Show us your empathy and how you can create a welcoming environment for them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your organisational skills! Think of examples from your past where you managed a busy workload or supported a team. We want to see how you handle pressure and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our values, which can help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Visits Centre Assistant - 10 hrs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy: In your application, let us see your understanding of the challenges families face when visiting loved ones in prison. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your empathy and ability to support others.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: We want to know how you manage your workload! Include examples of how you've successfully organised tasks or projects in the past, especially in busy environments. This will show us you're ready for the demands of the role.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to see how you would fit into our team. Share your unique perspective and experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prison Advice and Care Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand what being a Visits Centre Assistant entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting families in challenging circumstances. This will help you answer questions more confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, demonstrate your empathy and understanding of working with families, particularly those affected by incarceration. Share any relevant experiences or examples where you've supported individuals in difficult situations. This will highlight your suitability for the role and your ability to connect with the families you'll be assisting.
✨Highlight Organisational Skills
Since the role involves managing a demanding workload, be prepared to discuss your organisational skills. Think of specific examples where you've successfully juggled multiple tasks or projects. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of the position effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.