Specialist Prison And Probation Advocate

Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd; Stanwell; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A specialized advocacy organization in the UK seeks a Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate to provide pre-release support for women in custody. The role focuses on various aspects including accommodation, finance, and social inclusion, while ensuring continuity of care from custody into the community. Experience in the criminal justice system and working knowledge of trauma-informed practices are essential. Offering a rate of £18 - £19 per hour for a temporary position lasting three months.

Qualifications

• Experience as a caseworker supporting women in prison and community settings.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively.
• Available immediately and able to pass Enhanced Level 1 Prison Vetting.

Responsibilities

• Provide pre-release support for women on remand or unsentenced.
• Develop referral pathway with prison's Offender Management team.
• Deliver through-the-gate support from custody into the community.
• Build effective working relationships with Pre-Release teams.

Skills

Knowledge of criminal justice system

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Trauma-informed support skills

Job description

Overview

Role: Specialist Prison and Probation Advocate

Based: 3 days per week

Rate: £18 - £19 ph umb

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: temp for 3 months

Hours: 21 hours per week (1 day in HMP Bronzefield and 2 from home)

Responsibilities

• Provide pre-release support for women on remand or unsentenced, focusing on accommodation, finance (debt & benefits), family & significant others, and social inclusion.
• Develop and maintain a referral pathway with the prison's Offender Management team for women to access the service.
• Work in partnership with prison-based service providers to ensure coordinated support.
• Co-design person-centred support and action plans with women, addressing their needs and risks.
• Deliver “through the gate” support, ensuring continuity from custody into the community.
• Provide a mix of casework support, signposting, and advice to women in custody.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Pre-Release teams.
• Support clients to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finances, benefits, debt support, and family/social networks.
• Advocate on behalf of women, including negotiating terms with external agencies.
• Ensure interventions are responsive to diverse and minoritised women's needs.
• Make referrals to partner organisations for additional post-release support.
• Contribute to multi-agency working within a challenging environment, demonstrating strong partnership skills.

Essential Requirements

• Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system.
• Proven experience as a caseworker, delivering gender-specific and trauma-informed interventions to support the resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in prison and community settings.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a prison environment while remaining calm under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload, including accurate record-keeping, maintaining focus on action plan goals, and meeting deadlines.
• Skilled in completing trauma-informed support and action plans collaboratively with women, addressing multiple and complex needs, and enabling engagement with services to achieve positive and timely outcomes.
• Available immediately
• Enhanced Level 1 Prison Vetting

Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency