Functional Skills Tutor

Serco Limited; Marchington; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider is seeking a Functional Skills Tutor to support men at HMP Dovegate in enhancing their literacy skills. This role involves delivering engaging sessions, providing pastoral care, and adapting teaching to individual needs in a diverse and supportive team environment. The ideal candidate will possess a Level 3 Award in Education and Training and experience working with learners from varied backgrounds. The position also offers a contributory pension scheme and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

Supportive team culture

Professional and personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in environments that require strong communication skills.
• Ability to support learners facing complex personal barriers.
• Experience in a custodial environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging Functional Skills sessions focused on basic literacy.
• Support learners with low confidence and various educational backgrounds.
• Maintain accurate records of learner progress.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication skills

Flexibility and ability to work under pressure

Technical knowledge and skills

Education

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (QCF)

Level 3 - subject specialism

Job description

Location: Staffordshire (HMP Dovegate)

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £28,000 - £36,000 per annum

We are looking for a Functional Skills Tutor to join our team at HMP Dovegate, a Category B adult male prison located near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The establishment accommodates up to 1,160 adult men aged 21+, including those on remand, awaiting sentence, and serving short- and long-term sentences.

This role focuses on supporting men to develop essential literacy skills, including reading, writing, spelling and communication, to help them build confidence, improve employability, and support positive progression on release. Alongside teaching, there is an important pastoral care element, working with learners who may face complex personal, social, and educational barriers.

What you'll be doing

• Deliver engaging Functional Skills sessions focused on basic reading and writing
• Support learners with low confidence and varied educational backgrounds
• Adapt teaching approaches to meet individual needs
• Provide encouragement, guidance, and pastoral support to learners
• Maintain accurate records of learner progress
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary prison education team
• Promote positive behaviour, motivation, and personal development

What I need to do the role?

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (QCF)
• Level 3 - subject specialism
• Have proven experience of working in an environment that demands strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Have demonstrated flexibility and the ability to work to deadlines and under pressure.
• Recent experience and appropriate knowledge.
• Experience of a custodial environment would be an advantage
• Experience of working with learners from non-traditional backgrounds
• Good technical knowledge and skills

What we offer

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• A fantastic culture and supportive team where you'll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion
• Interesting and enjoyable work
• Committed to professional and personal development with a wide range of training and coaching opportunities to expand your capabilities

Why Serco?

A place you can make an impact – With approximately 20,000 asylum seekers and more than 5,000 properties you'll be delivering an essential service that touches people's lives.

A place you can count on – Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You'll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.

A place for you – We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You'll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.