At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in custody and the community to build stable lives and reduce reoffending.
- Company: The Wise Group, dedicated to creating lasting change through trusted relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £25,664, flexible working hours, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference by helping people overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence, experience in mentoring or supporting individuals facing complex barriers is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Cleveland - Community & Custody
Salary: £25,664 + excellent benefits
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working)
Status: Fixed Term to 28 February 2027
Closing date: 26 July 2026
At the Wise Group, we believe lasting change happens through trusted relationships. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and third-sector organisations, we deliver the Personal Wellbeing Service, supporting nearly 6,000 men across the North East of England to build more stable lives and reduce reoffending.
As a Mentor, you'll use our Relational Mentoring approach to build trusted relationships with people both in custody and in the community. You'll work alongside probation and prison colleagues to understand each person's goals, identify barriers to progress and connect them with the right support at the right time.
Every day is different. Whether you're helping someone rebuild family relationships, improve their wellbeing, access housing, employment or community services, you'll play a vital role in helping people move forward with confidence. If you're motivated by supporting people through complex challenges, enjoy building relationships and want to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Essential requirements:
- Full driving licence and daily use of a car.
- Successful completion of Enhanced Level 1 Prison Vetting.
- Home broadband connection to support flexible and home working.
Desirable:
- Experience of mentoring or supporting people facing complex barriers.
- Experience of working within criminal justice, probation, prisons or a related setting.
View the Role Profile for full details about this opportunity.
Mentor 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
✨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 Wise 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 Wise 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 Wise 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 Wise 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 Mentor
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 Wise Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Wise 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 Wise 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.
