Family Support Worker (Part Time)

Main Responsibilities

Family Support Worker

HMP Cardiff Visitor Centre

Salary £23,861.00 per annum pro rata

Permanent, Part Time, 16 hours per week

G4S in Wales are a key provider of criminal justice services- operating in both the custodial and community sectors.  We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and we consistently seek to work alongside and in partnership with a range of other providers in the voluntary (third), public and private sectors.

We have developed services which are focused on identifying ways to maximise positive impact and make the most effective use of available resources by working with other agencies on common objectives.  In this way we are increasingly able to meet wide ranging and complex needs in the most appropriate way.

We have a commitment to research, evaluation and review of evidence based initiatives.

We value and, where possible, contribute to research into reducing re-offending and therefore we recognise the importance of understanding the wider environment in which individuals operate and this informs us about how best to engage, support and help people with change.

We seek to employ people with drive and energy and a real interest in innovation and teamwork – working beyond traditional organisational boundaries.

We now have an opportunity for a Family Support worker to provide a professional and supportive service for all visitors to HMP Cardiff - including families, children, legal professionals, contractors and other professionals.  This role will be the first and last point of contact for all visitors to the establishment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with booking in all domestic, professional and legal visitors in accordance with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with the local security strategies.
• Support families with any issues presenting in the Visitor Centre and liaising with family workers, assisting when required.
• To work in partnership with prison staff and a wide range of multi-agency professionals to ensure children and families receive the relevant support to meet their needs.
• Managing cash and property deposits from families to ensure the prisoner receives his items.
• Liaising with internal departments throughout the establishment.
• Manage telephone calls from families and other internal and external agencies.
• Assist with transport booking when needed.
• Open and closing of the Visitor Centre as required.
• Maintaining prisoner records and paperwork.
• To promote, monitor and maintain health safety and security in the working environment.
• To work cooperatively with children’s services, health agencies and other community based services, to provide the most effective service for children, young people and families.
• To contribute to Service development.
• To apply safeguarding and child protection procedures where appropriate.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development - either through optional or mandatory training where required.
• This job description is not exhaustive and the job holder may be required to carry out other duties commensurate with the position.
• To work with children, young people and their families, on a one to one or group basis, using a variety of interventions, to identify needs and to achieve positive outcomes.
• Assist in the promotion of creating a positive Health & Safety culture across the site leading by example, this includes reporting accidents and near misses in a timely manner & follow the applicable safe systems of work for the role

The duties and responsibilities listed within this job description are not exhaustive and the job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary from time to time.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills:

• Awareness of factors impacting on and issues facing vulnerable children and young people and families (e.g. disadvantage, poverty, disability).
• Awareness of children’s need to feel safe.
• Knowledge of the Family and Significant Others agenda.
• Delivery of great customer services.
• Excellent communications skills and organised in managing daily tasks.
• Knowledge of data protection and GDPR.
• Supporting and managing others.
• The successful candidate must be able to work on one’s own initiative as well as part of a proactive team in a challenging environment.

Desirable Skills:

• A relevant qualification relating to children and young people (D)
• Experience of working within the criminal justice sector
• Relevant vocational/voluntary/life experience
• Ability to use software applications such as Google, Word, Excel, etc.
• Individuals should be well motivated and innovative in their approach to work.
• A belief in the ability of people to make positive life changes.

We encourage applications from Welsh speaking candidates.

Equality and Diversity is an important part of G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are a fully inclusive employer who aims to support all employees to be their true selves. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for either the role or during the recruitment process.

G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and adults at risk and each employee is expected to support these goals.

Please note that these vacancies are subject to a 5 year checkable history and the strict vetting standards set by G4S and the Secretary of State for the Home Office.

You must be eligible to work in the UK and must have been resident in the UK for a minimum period of 3 years. You will also need to provide full details of your employment and education history for the last 5 years as part of the security screening process for this role.

Please note that applicants must complete a 200 - 400 word statement outlining their suitability for the role and clearly outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge would apply to this post.