At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor individuals in custody and community on finance, benefits, and debt management.
- Company: Join the Wise Group, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the North East and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower others to overcome challenges and build a stable future.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or support roles; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25664 - 25664 £ per year.
Location: Flexible – principally based across North East prisons and community settings, with some home working.
Salary: £25,664 + excellent benefits.
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working).
Status: Fixed term until 26th February 2027.
Closing date: 28th June 2026.
Please note: Regular travel across the North East of England is required. Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
This is not a typical support role. The Wise Group delivers the Finance, Benefit and Debt service on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, supporting people in prison and on probation across the North East of England. This role is about more than financial advice. It’s about helping people stabilise their lives, reduce crisis and build stronger foundations for the future. Many of the people we support are navigating multiple and interconnected challenges including debt, poor financial wellbeing, housing instability, unemployment, poor mental health and long-standing barriers to progression.
Using our Relational Mentoring approach, you will work alongside individuals in custody and in the community, helping them access financial support, manage debt, improve budgeting, navigate benefits systems and connect with wider services that support long-term stability and reintegration. You will build trusted relationships that go beyond transactional support - helping people engage, regain confidence and move towards greater independence. Working closely with prison staff, probation teams and local partners, you will play a key role in helping people navigate important transition points, particularly as they prepare to leave custody and reintegrate into their communities.
This service builds upon and complements the wider Justice services delivered by the Wise Group across England and Wales, including Personal Wellbeing and Women’s services.
What you’ll do:
- Deliver one-to-one mentoring and advocacy support across custody and community settings.
- Support individuals to address finance, benefits and debt-related challenges.
- Build trusted relationships that encourage engagement and long-term progress.
- Work collaboratively with prisons, probation and partner organisations.
- Support individuals during key transition points, including release from custody.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service outcomes and reporting.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in mentoring, advocacy, support or customer-focused roles.
- Confidence supporting people facing complex or challenging circumstances.
- Strong communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
- A practical, solutions-focused and resilient approach.
- Confidence working across different environments, including prisons and community settings.
- Ability to work independently while managing a varied caseload.
Experience within custodial or criminal justice settings is advantageous, but not essential.
Essential requirements:
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to travel regularly across the North East of England.
- Successful completion of enhanced Level 1 prison vetting.
- Home broadband suitable for remote working.
Why join the Wise Group:
The Wise Group works alongside people facing some of the most complex challenges in society, using a relational approach focused on long-term stability rather than short-term fixes. This role is part of a wider effort to improve outcomes for people involved in the justice system by delivering joined-up, person-centred and practical support that creates lasting change.
View the Role Profile for full details about this opportunity.
Mentor (Finance, Benefit & Debt, North East) in Stocksfield employer: The Wise Group
The Wise Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing complex challenges, particularly within the justice system. With a flexible working environment and a strong emphasis on relational mentoring, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to long-term stability for those they serve. The North East location offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse communities, fostering a collaborative work culture that values trust, resilience, and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentor (Finance, Benefit & Debt, North East) in Stocksfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and mentoring sectors, especially those connected to the Wise Group. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mentoring and support roles. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to helping individuals with complex challenges. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting people in crisis. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Mentor (Finance, Benefit & Debt, North East) in Stocksfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to support individuals facing financial challenges.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building trusted relationships, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully engaged with people in challenging situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have experience in mentoring or working in customer-focused roles, make sure to emphasise that. We’re looking for candidates who can navigate complex circumstances and provide practical solutions.
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 ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wise Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Mentor in Finance, Benefit & Debt. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals in custody and on probation, and think about how your experience aligns with the job description. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
Since this role is all about building trusted relationships, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in challenging situations. Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills, as these are crucial for helping people engage and regain confidence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting someone with debt or navigating benefits systems. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on your practical, solutions-focused approach.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience
This role requires working across various environments, including prisons and community settings. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to different situations in the past and how you maintain a positive attitude when faced with challenges. This will show your potential employer that you're ready for the dynamic nature of the job.
