Custody Support worker- (Portland) (HMP Portland, Dorset, United Kingdom)

Opportunity Review: Custody Support Worker - Make a Tangible Impact

This Custody Support Worker role within the CFO Evolution team presents a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about contributing to rehabilitation and successful reintegration within the criminal justice sector. If you are seeking a role where your empathy and dedication can directly influence positive change, this position warrants serious consideration for your career path.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: You will be at the forefront of supporting individuals in custody, guiding them through their sentence and preparing them for a successful return to the community. This is a role with tangible, life-changing outcomes.
• Diverse Skill Development: The role offers exposure to a range of support mechanisms, including one-to-one sessions and group interventions, with a specific emphasis on pre-release planning. This breadth of experience can significantly enhance your professional toolkit.
• Career Growth and Learning: The emphasis on creating a "learning environment" and sharing best practices suggests a commitment to professional development. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to gain experience in the criminal justice sector, including recent graduates.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond a competitive salary, the organization offers a robust benefits package including generous annual leave, a birthday day off, volunteer days, a pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, and access to a wide range of retail discounts. This demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.
• Employee-Owned Culture: Being part of an employee-owned organization fosters a strong sense of community and shared purpose. This can translate into a more supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Valued Experience: The organization explicitly welcomes candidates with experience in probation services, social care, custodial settings, substance misuse/mental health, or community outreach. This suggests a recognition of diverse professional backgrounds.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Target-Driven Environment: As with many roles in this sector, there is an expectation to meet individual and team performance targets. Candidates should be comfortable working within a structured and results-oriented framework.
• Case Management and Risk Assessment: The role involves effective case management and a strong focus on safeguarding. Candidates should possess excellent organizational skills and a proactive approach to risk assessment and reporting.
• Emotional Resilience: Working within a custodial environment and supporting individuals facing significant challenges requires a high degree of emotional resilience and a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
• Desirable Qualifications: While not strictly mandatory, holding an IAG Level 3 qualification and having experience managing a caseload are considered desirable. Candidates may wish to pursue these to enhance their application.
• Safeguarding Commitment: A strong commitment to safeguarding is paramount, as is the willingness to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This Custody Support Worker opportunity offers a unique chance to build a rewarding career in a field that truly makes a difference. It is an excellent stepping stone for those looking to deepen their expertise in offender rehabilitation and community reintegration, providing a solid foundation for future advancement within the justice and social care sectors.