HOPE Mentor

Salary: £26,359- £28,000 depending on experience

Mitie Care & Custody (C&C) is driven by a bold vision: to establish HMP Millsike as a place of restoration and rehabilitation, where prisoners can unlock their full potential and make meaningful, positive changes in their lives. We are excited by the opportunity Millsike presents: a blank canvas on which we can paint a bright future for our prisoners. Our mission is clear: to create an environment that empowers, inspires, and supports individuals to re-enter society with hope, purpose, and a life plan. To achieve this, we will set a culture of rehabilitation and restoration underpinned by integrity and high expectations. Prisoners will experience a dramatic shift from traditional prison environments. Millsike will be a vibrant, bustling community, teeming with industry, activity and opportunities for personal growth. Above all, we will ensure our approach offers a deep sense of safety/respect, through a supportive, uplifting environment, that helps prisoners to see their potential and that unlocks a brighter future for all.

First-hand Experience with the Justice System

Lived Experience of the Justice System

The ideal candidate will have personal lived  experience of the justice system  (for example, through personal addiction, poor mental health, homelessness, or having served a community or prison sentence). To effectively support others, the candidate should be at least three years removed from these experiences, demonstrating personal growth and resilience.

This lived experience equips the candidate with a deep understanding of the complexities individuals face when navigating the justice system, including socio-economic pressures and psychological challenges. Their unique perspective should foster empathy and an appreciation of the systemic barriers, such as recidivism, that often hinder progress.

Please summarise your lived experience within your CV as this firsthand knowledge is invaluable in providing relatable, authentic support and guidance to those currently navigating similar pathways.

As a business, Mitie Care & Custody is committed to diversity and inclusion and we would welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds including veterans, those looking for a career change, and people who have experience in social care or a learning environment. Full training will be given where applicable, and we would encourage anyone who might be thinking about a role in a secure establishment to get in touch.

Job objectives and responsibilities

The HOPE Mentor/Support Worker will provide dedicated support to individuals within a custodial setting, helping to build strong relationships early in their rehabilitation journey. The mentor will focus on fostering trust and rapport, forming a foundation for effective rehabilitation. By establishing positive connections from the outset, the mentor will assist individuals in navigating the transition from custody back into the community. This role plays a crucial part in supporting successful reintegration and encouraging long-term positive change from the very first day.

The HOPE Mentors will play a vital role in helping to unlock and shift mindsets, enabling individuals in our care to envision a future beyond prison. They will encourage personal responsibility, empowering people to take control of their lives and actively work towards breaking the cycle of institutionalisation. By promoting self-reliance and reducing learned helplessness, mentors will guide individuals in making positive choices and preparing for life after custody.

The HOPE Mentor will assist individuals in creating personalised life plans, giving them a clear direction and purpose beyond their time in custody. These plans, while complementing the formal sentence plan, will be tailored to each person's unique needs, goals, and aspirations. The aim is to provide a roadmap for the future that fosters personal growth and successful reintegration into the community.

The HOPE Mentor will maintain close connections with the Keyworker, Prison Offender Manager, (POM) Community Offender Manager (COM), and other relevant departments. These relationships will ensure alignment between the individual's personal plan and their official sentence plan, promoting a cohesive and supportive approach to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate should have at least three years of experience working with individuals with complex needs such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and neurodiversity. They must be able to manage their workload while being part of a diverse team. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, with the ability to engage with individuals in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner. Experience in facilitating group sessions and one-on-one interventions is required, along with familiarity with safeguarding procedures and managing risk.

Desired qualifications include at least one qualification in Health and Social Care, counselling, or substance misuse (NVQ, Diploma, or equivalent experience). Experience working within the criminal justice system or with vulnerable groups of people is preferred. The candidate should haveknowledge of IT, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as an understanding of trauma-informed care principles and practices.

The candidate should be empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient, with a commitment to supporting prisoners in overcoming challenges. Strong organizational skills are necessary, recognizing and working to the team's priorities. Good verbal communication skills, including a restorative practice approach, are important. The ability to provide constructive and positive feedback, good conflict resolution skills, and a willingness to participate in continuous learning and complete training are required. The candidate should be willing to deal with change and adapt working practices to reflect legislative and procedural changes. Finally, the ability to work as part of a team is essential.

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Our diversity makes us stronger: we are immensely proud of our rich and diverse culture and backgrounds. Our diversity creates ideas and insights. Everyone at Mitie has a voice and is treated as an equal.

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