At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in managing debt and accessing financial benefits for a smoother transition.
- Company: Join The Wise Group, a leader in delivering justice services across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Regular travel required across the North West; full driving licence needed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them regain financial control.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or justice settings is a plus, but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 25664 - 25664 £ per year.
Location: Principally based in prisons and community settings across the North West, with some home working.
Salary: £25,664 + excellent benefits.
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working).
Status: Fixed Term until 26 February 2026.
Closing date: 31 August 2026.
Regular travel across the North West of England is required. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
Money problems can make an already difficult transition even harder. The Wise Group delivers the Finance, Benefit & Debt (FBD) service on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, supporting men in prison and people on probation to improve their financial wellbeing.
Working alongside prison and probation colleagues, our mentors help people understand and manage debt, access the benefits and financial support they are entitled to, build budgeting skills and connect with the right services.
As a Mentor, you’ll work directly with people in prisons and community settings across the North West. Using our Relational Mentoring approach, you’ll build trusted relationships, understand someone’s circumstances and work alongside them to address the financial barriers that can affect their stability, rehabilitation and successful return to the community.
This isn’t simply about giving financial information. You’ll advocate for people, help them navigate services and systems, and provide practical support to help them take greater control of their circumstances.
You’ll be joining an enterprise with significant experience of delivering justice services across England and Wales, including Personal Wellbeing and Women’s Services, and will help us extend that impact through specialist financial support.
The role involves regular travel across the North West and working within both custodial and community settings. The post is subject to successful completion of enhanced Level 1 prison vetting.
Experience of mentoring or working within a custodial or justice setting would be advantageous, but is not essential. A home broadband connection is required to support home working.
View the Role Profile for full details about this opportunity.
Mentor – Finance, Benefit & Debt (North West) in Manchester employer: The Wise Group
At the Wise Group, we pride ourselves on being a values-led social enterprise dedicated to transforming family support in West Lothian. Our flexible working hours and commitment to professional development ensure that our Mentors not only contribute to meaningful change but also grow personally and professionally within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a pioneering programme that connects communities and empowers families towards sustainable employment and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentor – Finance, Benefit & Debt (North West) in Manchester
✨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 The Wise Group, 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 – Finance, Benefit & Debt (North West) in Manchester
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 The Wise Group. 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 The Wise Group. 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 The Wise Group
✨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 The Wise Group.
✨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 – Finance, Benefit & Debt (North West) role at The Wise Group, 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 The Wise Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
