At a Glance
- Tasks: Greet visitors, provide support, and ensure a welcoming environment at HMP Millsike.
- Company: Join Forward Trust, a social enterprise making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and various employee schemes.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by supporting families during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, organised, and able to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Evening and weekend shifts required; enhanced DBS check needed.
The predicted salary is between 19300 - 25200 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting families and individuals during challenging times? Do you thrive in a role that blends compassion, organisation, and teamwork? Forward Trust is seeking a dedicated Prison Visits Centre Reception Worker to join our dynamic Connections Team at HMP Millsike.
This is a pivotal role in delivering our core Connections Services, which include:
- Connections Visits
- Family and Relationship Support
- Health, Wellbeing & Substance Misuse Services
As the first point of contact for visitors to the prison, you'll help create a welcoming and respectful environment, easing the emotional stress of visits while ensuring security and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet and register visitors, ensuring punctuality and accurate documentation
- Create a calm, supportive reception environment to reduce visitor anxiety
- Provide practical advice, emotional support, and signposting to relevant services
- Collaborate with Family & Relationship Practitioners and external agencies
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold security protocols
- Manage the Visits Helpline and respond to enquiries promptly
- Keep the reception area clean, organised, and stocked with resources
- Serve refreshments and assist with special visits or family events
Partnership & Collaboration
- Work closely with prison security staff to ensure safe and smooth visits
- Support multi-disciplinary team meetings and safeguarding discussions
- Liaise with external agencies to provide holistic support to visitors
Continuous Improvement & Safeguarding
- Collect visitor feedback to improve service delivery
- Monitor visitor flow and report operational issues
- Stay up-to-date through training and development
- Ensure all activities comply with safeguarding and security policies
Administration & Flexibility
- Maintain accurate visitor logs and incident reports
- Handle calls and enquiries related to visits
- Support a clean, welcoming reception space
- Flexibility required, including evenings and weekends
Why Join Us?
At Forward Trust, we believe in second chances and strong connections. You'll be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of prisoners and their families—offering support, dignity, and hope.
This position will include evening and weekend working. This job is subject to enhanced DBS and Prison Vetting, a start date will not be confirmed until this has been completed.
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important.
Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave
Visits Receptionist employer: The Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
The Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visits Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Forward Trust and understand their mission. When you show genuine interest in what they do, it’ll shine through in your conversations and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Visits Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable greeting visitors and providing support—this will help ease any nerves during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team culture, plus it shows you're proactive and keen to learn more.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Visits Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting families and individuals shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission and why you’re excited about the role.
Be Organised: Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. We appreciate a tidy presentation that reflects your organisational skills!
Tailor Your Experience: Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your ability to create a supportive environment and manage visitor interactions. We love seeing how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Visits Receptionist. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as greeting visitors and providing emotional support. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the position and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
Since this role involves supporting families during challenging times, be prepared to share examples of how you've shown compassion in previous roles. Think about situations where you've helped someone feel at ease or provided support in a stressful environment—this will highlight your suitability for the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. For instance, they might ask how you'd handle a distressed visitor. Practise your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your ability to remain calm and provide effective support.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.