At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate arts-based programmes to support personal development and rehabilitation for men in custody.
- Company: Join Safe Ground, a charity transforming lives through creative interventions in the criminal justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping individuals build stronger family relationships and navigate change.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts education or therapeutic practices, with a passion for personal development.
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Location: Based within HMP Altcourse, Fazakerley, Liverpool. Step Free access is available at this service. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office and for in-person meetings held off site.
Salary: £32,000
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 07:45 - 17:15. Please be aware that daily working hours may vary, ranging from 7.5 up to 10 hours, depending on programme delivery requirements. Flexible working may be available, with potentially 1 - 2 days working from home depending on programme delivery. You may be required to work outside these hours as per participant and service requirements.
About the Role: We're hiring a Programmes Coordinator & Facilitator to join our Safe Ground team based in HMP Altcourse. The role involves delivering arts based interventions aimed at supporting participants in their personal development, family relationships, and rehabilitation. In this role, you’ll help set up, deliver and review arts‑based, therapeutically informed programmes that support men in custody with personal development, family relationships and rehabilitation. You’ll work directly with programme participants, using creative group sessions and person centred approaches to meet individual and group needs. You’ll also work closely with colleagues in the Visitors’ Centre, prison staff and wider teams to make sure our programmes run safely, smoothly and with care. As part of Safe Ground’s flagship Family Service, you’ll be joining a reflective and supportive team of facilitators, counsellors and family support staff. Together, you’ll help strengthen family relationships, support positive change and contribute to a more compassionate, trauma informed culture within the prison. You will be required to undertake additional training and vetting as per the requirements of the prison.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Facilitate and deliver arts‑based, therapeutically informed group programmes for men in custody.
- Create safe, trauma‑informed and inclusive group spaces that support personal development, rehabilitation and family relationships.
- Coordinate programme set‑up, participant recruitment and delivery, working closely with colleagues and prison staff.
- Adapt sessions to meet different learning needs, abilities and backgrounds.
- Build positive, professional relationships with participants, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Monitor participant engagement and wellbeing, responding appropriately to safeguarding or risk concerns.
- Collect feedback and contribute to programme evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate, timely and confidential records in line with GDPR, safeguarding and organisational policies.
Why work with Safe Ground Prisons? At SIG Safe Ground, we do things differently. Safe Ground is an Arts-based therapeutically informed charity with over 30 years' experience working across the criminal justice system. We support people in custody and their families to build stronger and more fulfilled relationships, reflect on behaviours, and navigate change without shame.
About You: We're looking for someone with a passion for arts-based interventions, you will see relationships as central to personal development and be creative in your approach to positively influence and persuade others. You will be able to use group work, arts, and drama techniques to support participants to rehearse new behaviours and experience alternative perspectives. You will have excellent communication skills, and support skills. You will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, and will have alignment with our SIG values. You will be keen to support our residents to achieve their individual goals and support them to be the best versions of themselves.
What we are looking for:
- Previous professional or lived experience supporting people who require personal development, rehabilitation and family relationships, an arts‑based, therapeutically informed group programmes for men in custody.
- Demonstrated experience within a prison, criminal justice, or similar setting.
- Skilled in applying a background in arts education, dramatherapy, applied theatre, or education to work creatively and effectively with individuals and groups.
- Ability to engage with people from different backgrounds, build rapport, and empower them to achieve their personal goals.
- Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs.
- Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and participants.
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency.
What we Offer:
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service.
- Employer Pension Contribution.
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card.
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more.
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work.
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans.
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling.
- Life Assurance Scheme.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Annual Staff Awards.
- EDI Ambassador programme.
About Social Interest Group (SIG): SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Additional Information: Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
Programme Co-ordinator employer: Social Interest Group
Contact Detail:
Social Interest Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Co-ordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Safe Ground and their mission. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When discussing your experience, highlight your enthusiasm for arts-based interventions and how they can positively impact participants. Let your genuine interest in the role come through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Co-ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Programme Co-ordinator. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Show Your Passion for Arts-Based Interventions: We want to see your enthusiasm for arts-based programmes! In your application, share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and how you've used arts to support personal development. This will help us see how you align with our mission.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific! Use examples that demonstrate your skills in facilitating group work, building relationships, and adapting to different needs. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our team and the participants we serve.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets reviewed properly. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Safe Ground. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Interest Group
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the arts-based interventions and therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with how these methods can support personal development and family relationships, as this will show your genuine interest and alignment with the role.
✨Showcase Your Creative Side
Since the role involves delivering creative group sessions, be prepared to discuss your experience with arts education or dramatherapy. Think of specific examples where you've used creativity to engage participants and foster a supportive environment, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so come ready to share experiences where you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight how you’ve built positive relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, as this will illustrate your ability to contribute to a supportive team culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle safeguarding concerns or adapt sessions for different learning needs. Think through potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would respond, as this will demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.