At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in prison and on probation to overcome barriers and achieve financial stability.
- Company: Rethink Mental Illness, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Full training provided, rewarding work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower others to create lasting change and rebuild their lives.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool Area (HMP Altcourse, HMP Liverpool and community outreach as required)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS with Adults Barred List Check and Home Office Prison Clearance
Help People Build a Better Future
Are you passionate about supporting people to overcome barriers, rebuild confidence and create positive change in their lives? Rethink Mental Illness is looking for a compassionate and motivated Mentor to join our Criminal Justice team across the North West. Working within prisons and the community, you'll provide tailored one-to-one support to people in prison and those transitioning back into society, helping them tackle financial challenges and achieve greater stability and independence. This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of individuals affected by complex issues including mental health challenges, homelessness, addiction, debt and involvement with the criminal justice system.
About the Role
As a Mentor, you will support people in prison and on probation through our Ministry of Justice-funded Finance, Benefits and Debt service. You will build trusted relationships with customers, helping them identify barriers, develop practical action plans and access the support they need to improve their financial wellbeing and long-term outcomes. Your support may include:
- Providing person-centred mentoring and coaching.
- Supporting people with benefits, budgeting and debt management.
- Helping individuals access bank accounts and financial services.
- Advocating on behalf of customers with external agencies and organisations.
- Working alongside prison staff, probation teams and community partners.
- Delivering one-to-one and group-based interventions.
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to service performance targets.
Full training will be provided, including support to develop your knowledge of money advice and guidance.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking someone who can build trust, inspire confidence and empower people to achieve positive change. You'll ideally have:
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people affected by offending, addiction, homelessness or mental health difficulties.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience providing support, mentoring, coaching or case management.
- The ability to work independently, use initiative and solve problems creatively.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Resilience, empathy and a non-judgemental approach.
- Confidence using technology and maintaining accurate records.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Experience within criminal justice settings, prisons, welfare benefits, money advice or debt support is welcomed but not essential. Lived experience and diverse perspectives are highly valued.
Ready to Apply?
If you're passionate about helping people overcome barriers and create lasting change, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help transform lives across our criminal justice services.
Mentor in Liverpool employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including access to a Wellbeing Hub, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave policies. With a strong focus on professional development and a culture that values diversity, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve within the North East Prisons.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentor in Liverpool
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Rethink Mental Illness, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Mentor in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Rethink Mental Illness. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Rethink Mental Illness. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Rethink Mental Illness.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Mentor role at Rethink Mental Illness, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Rethink Mental Illness that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
