At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation, facilitating their transition from prison to community services.
- Company: Join The Big Life Group, a social business dedicated to equity and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25-30 days annual leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting rehabilitation and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable adults and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction, and criminal justice, to housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way.
We always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them. Everything we do is designed and informed by the needs, priorities and strengths of people and communities.
Our values
- Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or challenges accepted wisdom.
- Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
- Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
- Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
- Thoughtful: We act with care, compassion, and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect, and continually learn.
- Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights, and perspectives that different people offer.
Working at Big Life
At Big Life, work is more than a job – it is about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth and in life, and that commitment starts with how our staff.
Be yourself
We want you to feel safe, respected, and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff networks - from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more - create space to connect and support each other.
Benefits that matter
We offer more than a payslip - you’ll find wellbeing support through LifeWorks, Simply Health and mindfulness sessions, 25-30 days’ annual leave plus your birthday off, flexible working, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes, cycle-to-work, free eye tests and more - little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Recognised as outstanding
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
A culture of trust and flexibility
Our people describe our culture as relaxed and supportive. You’ll be trusted to plan your own day, take breaks when you need, and work in a way that fits with your life as well as your role.
If you’re looking for more than a job - if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
Job Description
The overall aim of this role is to identify and support the needs of People on Probation that will contribute to their progression and complement support around rehabilitation. You will focus on people being released from prison on licence to any of the ten local authority areas of Greater Manchester, facilitating at the gate pickups and taking people to agreed destinations - including probation office, agreed accommodation, women’s centres, and wellbeing hubs. You will also meet people in prison who have been referred to a Wellbeing service as part of the pre-release plan, meeting as many times as needed to support the reasons for referrals pre-release. If appropriate, you will then meet them at the gate and take them to a wellbeing hub in their locality. You will support transportation on the day of release, collect the Person on Probation in a timely manner, liaising with the prison and pre-release team to ensure they are at the prison ahead of their release time.
Main duties
- To support individuals in custody who have been referred into the Wellbeing Service as part of their pre-release plan.
- To ensure individuals who are in custody and the need is identified are transferred in a safe manner to a pre-agreed address in Greater Manchester.
- To liaise with offender managers both in prison estates and the community.
- To facilitate pre-release contact, either face to face where possible or via telephone, to introduce the service to those being released.
- To engage with individuals on probation to support their wellbeing.
- To work with individuals using a range of evidence-based tools and techniques for motivating them to engage with support available.
- To use feedback in all forms to enhance individual and service development.
- To escalate concerns to appropriate authorities (e.g. probation service, local authorities etc) when increased risk is identified.
- To be familiar with and use pathways to facilitate timely access to appropriate community services to support the individual’s needs.
- To engage with individuals through understandable and meaningful language and behaviour.
- To engage with individuals in a trauma-informed way.
Work-related expectations
- Work within Big Life’s mission and values.
- Contribute to Big Life’s ongoing development and strategic goals.
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users and staff by adhering to safeguarding, information security, and all Big Life policies.
- Commit to personal development and take part in relevant training and supervision.
- Work in accordance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a positive, can-do attitude and flexible approach to changing priorities.
- Participate in regular one-to-ones and annual reviews.
- Undertake any other duties as required, appropriate to the post.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they meet the following points, either in their application, at an interview or through taking part in a test.
Experience
- Experience of working with people facing a range of barriers.
- Experience and understanding of professional boundaries when working with vulnerable adults.
- Experience of working with a range of service providers and stakeholders.
- Experience of developing and improving services and projects.
- Experience of effectively working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Skills
- Ability to effectively manage a varied workload.
- Ability to effectively work with a range of people from different skills and backgrounds, both internally and externally.
- Ability to deescalate difficult situations in a calm manner.
- Ability to use IT (Word and relevant software including client management systems).
- Ability to drive and have access to a car for work purposes.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the barriers that service users face when accessing mainstream services.
- Knowledge of the Greater Manchester area.
Education and training
Applicants will need to complete an enhanced level 1 security check before any job offer will be confirmed.
Personal
- Positive outlook and a can-do attitude.
- Personal resilience and flexible attitude in the face of challenges.
- Commitment to working within Big Life’s mission and values, with a non-judgemental and inclusive approach.
- Commitment to personal development and continuous learning.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
Please align your skills and experience to each point of the person specification, to demonstrate how you are the best match for the job role.
Prison Link Worker in Manchester employer: The BigLife Group
The Big Life Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across the North of England. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values diversity and personal growth. Our recognition as one of the UK's outstanding places to work reflects our dedication to fostering an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to our mission of fighting for equity in health, wealth, and life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Link Worker in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The BigLife Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The BigLife Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The BigLife Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The BigLife Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Link Worker in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The BigLife Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The BigLife Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The BigLife Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
