The primary focus of this role is to implement a mentoring program within HMP/YOI Feltham and the surrounding community, specifically targeting children and young adults. The goal is to foster resilience in this demographic, ultimately reducing the likelihood of future offending behavior.
The role entails providing support to incarcerated children and young adults, aiding them in dealing with past experiences of victimization and trauma. By addressing these issues, the aim is to mitigate the risk of violence and further criminal activity.
Additionally, the role involves training YOI staff to better recognize and respond to instances of victimization and trauma, as well as equipping victim support service personnel to effectively assist juvenile offenders. A key aspect of the role is providing ongoing mentoring support to individuals transitioning back into the community post-release or post-court appearance.
The position will require flexibility, particularly in dealing with the intricacies of cases involving individuals on remand or nearing potential release or court dates
*We encourage applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience and, applicants from black, Asian, and other minority communities*
About you:
You will ideally have lived experience of the criminal justice system and/or Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and an awareness of the impact of custody on children and young adults and on their children and families. You will need clear understanding of professional boundaries which will enable you to work children and young adults and their families.
You must have experience of working with children and young adults and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed approached services, aligned with a Child First Approach.
You must have the ability to motivate and promote children and young adults’ belief in their ability to change, whilst challenging negative behaviour. You recognise the potentially damaging impact of stigmatising, in particular through the use of language and instead use de-stigmatising and humanising language.
You will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in partnership with a range of agencies for the benefit of service users and the ability to delivery training and upskilling, especially assisting in upskilling the YOI staff on victim / offender overlap.
You will have good level of numeracy, literacy and excellent IT Skills and the ability to use casework systems and maintain accurate and comprehensive case notes.
What we offer:
Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.