11349 - Peer Mentor Coordinator - Hereford, Shropshire & Telford

Ministry of Justice; Priorslee Village; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in England is seeking a Peer Mentor Coordinator to manage and support a Peer Mentoring service. The role includes recruiting and training Peer Mentors, promoting employment opportunities, and ensuring high standards of safeguarding. Candidates should ideally have lived experience of the criminal justice system and a strong understanding of risk management. This position allows for flexible working across various operational sites.

Qualifications

• Must have a keen understanding of risk and operational issues.
• Desirably have lived experience of the criminal justice system.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and train new Peer Mentors.
• Manage and support Peer Mentors.
• Develop Peer Mentoring arrangements in the region.
• Promote the Going Forward into Employment scheme.
• Support the regional EPOP Plan.

Skills

Understanding of risk

Coaching and development

Wellbeing support

Engagement with community services

Job description

Overview of the job

To manage and maintain systems to provide a comprehensive Peer Mentoring service in the local area. The role is regionally based and reports to the regional Engaging People on Probation (EPOP) manager. The postholder will manage and supervise up to 15 volunteer peer mentors, with responsibility for recruiting and coordinating peer mentors in Probation. The postholder does not require a probation qualification but will need a keen understanding of risk and other operational issues. The postholder will desirably have lived experience of the criminal justice system.

Summary

The Peer Mentor Coordinator will ensure a Peer Mentoring service in their local area. Liaising with Commissioned Rehabilitative Service Providers to identify opportunities for Peer Mentor involvement and employment. Promoting the Going Forward into Employment scheme across the region and with Peer Mentors. Supporting the regional Engaging People on Probation (EPOP) Plan, including, maximising opportunities to capture People on Probation (PoP) insights. The role will need to liaise with the EPOP Contract Supplier as required. Working flexibly across operational sites as required. The role will be required to keep abreast of development in services, legislation and practice relevant to Peer-Led Work, Engaging People on Probation and broader Service User Engagement. Ensuring high standards of safeguarding and risk management are adhered to and implementation of Probation Service policies. Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Recruitment, assessment and training of new Peer Mentors across the region.
• Ongoing management and supervision of Peer Mentors, including wellbeing support, coaching and development work to improve Peer Mentor skills and capability.
• Supporting the establishment of a Development and Progression Pathway for all Peer Mentors.
• Working with Peer Mentors and colleagues to develop, review and harmonise the Peer Mentoring arrangements across the region, implementing ‘Peer-Led Work: Conditions of Success’.
• Delivery of Peer Mentor-led activities in a variety of group based settings to include where appropriate (list not exhaustive):
  • Probation offices
  • Approved Premises
  • Community Payback inductions and group sessions
  • External providers of women’s services
• Identifying further opportunities for the involvement of Peer Mentors.
• Liaising with Commissioned Rehabilitative Service Providers to identify opportunities for Peer Mentor involvement and employment.
• Promoting the Going Forward into Employment scheme across the region and with Peer Mentors.
• Supporting the regional Engaging People on Probation (EPOP) Plan, including:
  • Maximising opportunities to capture PoP insights
  • Establishing local PoP Focus Groups
  • Establishing a regional Lived Experience Panel
• Liaising with the EPOP Contract Supplier as required.
• To manage and maintain systems to provide a comprehensive Peer Mentoring service in the local area.
• To assist in the development and delivery of the regional Peer Mentoring Delivery Plan.
• To attend Team Meetings with regional counterparts.
• To contribute to the development of the national Peer Mentoring picture as required.
• Champion the value of Peer Mentors, and of the Engaging PoP agenda, to colleagues and partners.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.