At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments and provide support for women on probation in a feminist-focused service.
- Company: A leading charity dedicated to empowering women in the criminal justice system.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible remote work, and meaningful community impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while developing your advocacy skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with risk assessments and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 22 £ per hour.
A triage role at the front door of a specialist women's criminal justice service. You will complete the initial assessments for women on probation, then pass them to a team of Community Keyworkers for ongoing one-to-one support. The service takes a gendered, feminist approach, built on listening, empowerment and breaking the cycle of offending.
Key Responsibilities
- Book initial assessments by phone or email, within contractual targets
- Complete risk and need assessments for women on probation (community disposals and custody releases)
- Provide one-to-one advocacy, support and advice across all 9 pathways to offending
- Process assessments on the case management database and report them for keyworker allocation
- Deliver prison in-reach by video, phone and face to face in the 12 weeks before release, and meet women at the gate
- Develop and review individual support plans
- Attend local probation offices, build relationships with probation staff and promote the service
- Keep the local services directory up to date
- Maintain accurate records and prompt uploads to the Ministry of Justice portal
- Cover keyworker caseloads for first sessions, leave and capacity
- Attend a women's centre if staffing requires, and travel to London head office for meetings and training
Person Specification
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of issues facing women offenders and women at risk of offending
- Experience of needs and risk assessments and risk management, alert to changes that signal increased risk of serious harm
- Experience setting professional boundaries, de-escalating tension and responding to challenging behaviour
- Strong crisis management skills and resilience under pressure
- Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise, and cope with lone working and remote management
- Strong interpersonal, written and administrative skills, confident with digital systems
- Track record of engaging hard-to-reach service users, with a future-focused, self-efficacy approach
- Ability to network, advocate, influence and problem solve
- Ability to challenge appropriately and build creative, monitored support plans
- Commitment to the charity's values: listen and support, empower, innovate, collaborate, quality and accountability
Desirable
- Thorough understanding of violence against women and girls and its links to the criminal justice system
- Partnership working with statutory and voluntary organisations
- Flexible team player
- Significant experience with women facing homelessness, substance misuse, domestic abuse or mental health issues, ideally in a criminal justice setting
Pre-Employment Checks
- Enhanced DBS
- EL1 HMPPS vetting
- References
- Right to work in the UK
Community Keyworker in Chelmsford employer: Service Care Solutions
As a leading non-maintained special school in Billingshurst, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the holistic development of our students and staff. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous development opportunities, while our comprehensive benefits package, including mental health support and flexible pay options, ensures the wellbeing of our team. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special educational needs, all within a vibrant and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Keyworker in Chelmsford
✨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 Service Care Solutions, 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 Service Care Solutions. 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 Service Care Solutions's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Keyworker in Chelmsford
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 Service Care Solutions. 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 Service Care Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨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 Service Care Solutions.
✨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 Community Keyworker at Service Care Solutions.
✨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 Service Care Solutions that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Community Keyworker role.