Prison employment advisor

Job Description

Prison Employment Advisor
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Location: HMP Lancaster Farms\n
Salary: £27,015 - £30,612 per annum (dependent on experience)\n
Contract Type: Full-Time\n
Working Hours: Monday to Friday\n
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About the Role\n
\nWe are seeking an enthusiastic, proactive and compassionate Prison Employment Advisor to support the delivery of the Creating Future Opportunities (CFO) Evolution programme. This rewarding role supports individuals serving custodial and community-based sentences to overcome barriers to education, training and employment, helping them build positive futures and reduce reoffending.\n
\nWorking within prison and community settings, you will engage with participants on a one-to-one and group basis, providing tailored support, guidance and motivation throughout their journey towards sustainable employment and improved life chances.\n
\nThis is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and who wants to make a meaningful difference within local communities.\n

\n Key Responsibilities\n

\n Participant Support and Case Management\n
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• Manage a caseload of participants, supporting them into quality learning, training and employment opportunities.
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• Conduct initial assessments to identify participant needs and barriers.
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• Develop personalised action plans and programmes of support.
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• Provide ongoing one-to-one guidance, coaching and mentoring.
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• Deliver group workshops and employability-related activities.
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• Support participants through the gate from custody into the community, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity of support.
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• Maintain regular contact with participants, including providing in-work support where appropriate.
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Engagement and Partnership Working\n
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• Promote the CFO Evolution programme within prisons, probation services and partner organisations.
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• Generate referrals and encourage engagement with programme activities.
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• Develop and maintain effective relationships with prisons, probation practitioners, subcontractors and community partners.
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• Source new learning, training and employment opportunities for participants.
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• Facilitate access to community-based activity hubs and external support services.
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Performance and Quality\n
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• Work towards and achieve individual and team performance targets across a range of key performance indicators.
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• Maintain accurate and timely case records using the CATS case management system and other databases.
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• Collect and record evidence to support participant outcomes and contract requirements.
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• Ensure all risk assessment information is obtained, recorded and shared appropriately.
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• Deliver services in accordance with quality standards, contractual requirements and organisational procedures.
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Professional Responsibilities\n
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• Attend training, supervision and development activities as required.
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• Maintain current knowledge of offender management services, employability provision and local support services.
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• Share relevant participant information with prison and probation practitioners in line with information-sharing protocols.
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• Contribute to the development of new resources, group activities and service improvements.
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Person Specification
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Essential Knowledge and Experience\n
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• Understanding of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and the wider Criminal Justice System.
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• Knowledge of social exclusion, disadvantage and barriers to employment.
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• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
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• Experience of working with offenders, vulnerable adults or disadvantaged groups in custody and/or community settings.
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• Experience of delivering training, workshops, presentations or group sessions.
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• Experience of supporting individuals into employment, training, education or positive progression opportunities.
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Skills and Abilities\n
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a non-judgemental and supportive approach.
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• Ability to build positive relationships and motivate individuals to achieve their goals.
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• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload.
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• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider team.
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• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate record keeping.
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• Ability to achieve performance targets and manage competing priorities.
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• Confident using databases, case management systems, Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
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Qualifications\n
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• Relevant qualification at Level 3 or above, or significant relevant work experience.
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Other Requirements\n
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• Willingness to work flexibly across custodial and community locations.
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• Ability to travel across the delivery area as required.
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• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and professional standards.
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• Comfortable working within a prison environment and adhering to security procedures.
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What We're Looking For
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\nThe ideal candidate will be:\n
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• Confident, proactive and resilient.
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• Passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.
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• A strong communicator with the ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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• Committed to delivering high-quality support services.
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• Motivated by making a tangible difference to individuals, families and communities.
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What We Offer\n
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• Full training and support to help you succeed in the role.
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• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
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• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives and support successful resettlement outcomes.
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• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
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If you are interested in this role, please contact Andy at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208962 or email