Support Worker Wolverhampton, England
Job description
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.1 The Family Pathway Centre provides a welcoming place where the families and friends of prisoners can spend time before and after their visits to the prison. The Centre offers a range of facilities including a comfortable place to wait, tea bars providing snacks & beverages, toilets, baby changing facilities and a visits booking service.
1.2 The security requirements of the prison require all visitors to undergo certain administrative and security procedures – all domestic visitors to prisoners will pass through the Centre as part of the visiting procedure.
1.3 Many people who visit prisons are bewildered by their contact with the prison system and the imprisonment of a family member can lead to difficulties in other aspects of family life as well. The families of prisoners often report financial and housing problems, isolation, stigmatisation, health difficulties and behavioural problems with children. The Centre provides information to visitors and offers them the opportunity to discuss the difficulties they face in confidence. The Centre is run by HALOW (Birmingham) in partnership with the prison.
1.4 Visits take place throughout the week. The exact hours are changed from time to time as required by the prisons. The Sessional Worker will undergo training and will be required to work within a staff rota system including some weekend and evening work including Bank Holidays.
2. JOB PURPOSE
2.1 Facilitate the effective running of the Centre attached to HMP Oakwood.
2.2 To assist with undertaking all the tasks necessary for the day-to-day running of the Centre and to contribute to the development of the Centre.
3. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIITES
Under the supervision of the Manager and/or Deputy Manager:
Create a pleasant and welcoming environment at the Centre in which to meet and greet visitors.
Provide a ‘listening ear’ to prisoners’ families and friends and display empathy.
Provide information about the prison.
Provide information about the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme and establish that visiting arrangements are accessible to visitors.
Provide child friendly information.
Assist with ensuring that the Centre is staffed by a sufficient number of staff, sessional workers and volunteers and to maintain a rota to that end.
Assist with ascertaining the needs of visitors through the use of questionnaires, forums etc.
Assist with establishing relationships and communicate effectively with external agencies as appropriate.
Offer support, advice and good quality information on a one to one basis and ensure referrals to appropriate agencies can be made where requested.
Assist with maintaining an up-to-date information service which covers a wide range of visitors’ needs for example: welfare, housing, benefits etc.
Assist with signposting visitors to external agencies as and when appropriate and take responsibility for displaying information.
Assist with providing the play and children’s activities in the Centre and Visits Hall and also work with young people. Oversee the maintenance of equipment and materials.
Assist with Family Visits.
Help with answering telephone enquiries.
Help maintain good working relationships with prison staff at all levels.
Attend relevant meetings within the prison as and when required.
Help with the collection of statistical information and maintain appropriate records.
Help to maintain a complaints procedure.
a) Assist the Centre Manager/ Deputy Manager in maintaining the security of the Centre and ensuring that proper Fire and Health & Safety regulations are observed.
At times be responsible for the locking, unlocking and security of HMP Oakwood Family Pathway Centre.
When on duty, to ensure the Centre is open at the agreed times.
Ensure visitors have access to refreshments at all times.
Adhere to the guidance contained within the Employees’ Handbook and be prepared to follow formally agreed discipline and grievance procedures.
Adhere to all HALOW (Birmingham) and prison policies & procedures which will include: Safeguarding of Children & Adults at Risk, Equal Opportunities and Diversity, Confidentiality, Health & Safety and Security.
Participate in staff meetings, training and supervision.
Attend such training as may from time to time be necessary to carry out the tasks required.
Staff will be part of the Community Engagement Strategy which promotes links between the community and HMP Oakwood.
Undertake, from time to time, other reasonable duties appropriate to the post as considered necessary by the Board of Directors.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £20,319.00 per month
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Wellness programme
Day range:
- Monday to Friday
Shift:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
Work Location: One location
Application deadline: 21/04/2023
Reference ID: SWftOwood
