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- Tasks: Support families visiting loved ones in a welcoming environment and provide essential information.
- Company: Pact is dedicated to supporting families affected by imprisonment, fostering a compassionate community.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free counselling, generous leave, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Empathy, organisational skills, and some IT knowledge are key; experience with diverse backgrounds is a plus.
- Other info: Pact values diversity and encourages applications from all, including those with criminal convictions.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ 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. Read on...
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, booking line 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 offer 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: early application is recommended as we assess applications on receipt and reserve the right to close early if we receive sufficient applications.
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 Pattern:
Week 1 Sat/Sun Week 2 Wed/Thur/Fri
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.
Visits Centre Assistant - 34 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 - 34 hrs
✨Tip Number 1
Show your people skills! When you get the chance, share examples of how you've successfully interacted with diverse groups. This role is all about empathy and understanding, so highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to connect with families in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding and child protection principles. Even if you don't have formal training, showing that you understand these concepts can set you apart. Consider mentioning any related experiences or training during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your organisational skills. Think of specific instances where you've managed a busy workload or coordinated multiple tasks effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a demanding environment like the visits centre.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Pact and their mission. Understanding their values and the work they do will help you align your answers with what they're looking for. It shows genuine interest and can help you articulate why you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Visits Centre Assistant - 34 hrs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Visits Centre Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role requires a 'people person', make sure to include specific examples in your application that demonstrate your empathy, communication skills, and ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience working with families in challenging situations or in a support role, be sure to mention it. Discuss any relevant training or knowledge you have regarding safeguarding or child protection.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prison Advice and Care Trust
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Visits Centre Assistant, your ability to connect with people is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with diverse groups, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your empathy and understanding.
✨Highlight Organisational Skills
The role requires excellent organisational abilities. Discuss specific instances where you've managed multiple tasks effectively, perhaps in a busy environment. This will show that you can handle the demanding workload expected in this position.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
Since some IT skills are required, be ready to talk about your experience with relevant software or systems. If you have any examples of how you've used technology to improve processes or communication, make sure to mention them.
✨Understand Safeguarding Principles
Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection is beneficial for this role. Brush up on these principles and be prepared to discuss why they are important, especially in the context of working with families in a prison environment.
