ROLE RESPONSIBILITY:

Support Worker of visits (within a prison setting)

G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services in conjuction with HALOW (Birmingham)

HMP Five Wells, Wellingborough

£17,375.00 per annum

Permanent, Full-time

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

HMP Five Wells is the first purpose-built resettlement prison in the UK. HALOW (Birmingham) will be providing services, working in partnership with G4S who will be operating the prison. This prison will accommodate 1680 prisoners and will cater for adult males and young offenders. This newly built prison is due to open early in 2022 and is located in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

The security requirements of the prison require all visitors to undergo certain security procedures. This will be the responsibility of prison staff. However, HALOW (Birmingham) staff will meet & greet visitors, provide information and assist with the visiting process. No two days will be the same in this setting. The visitors’ lounge is where our staff will operate their daily duties. In this area there will be vending machines, toilets, baby changing facilities and children's activity areas.

Our staff will be the first to meet visitors and officers as they walk into HMP Five Wells. 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. Our staff provide information to visitors and offer them the opportunity to discuss the difficulties they face in confidence.

You will learn aspects of prison life and will be required to undertake HMPPS enhanced vetting. Families will be given a warm welcome as they arrive at HMP Five Wells for visits or attendance at interventions for example Family Days, Jolly Tots, Children’s Activities, Family Support Work etc.

2. JOB PURPOSE

In conjunction with the Manager and Deputy Manager:

Coordinate and facilitate the effective running of the services provided by HALOW (Birmingham) for HMP Five Wells.

To assist with undertaking all the tasks necessary for the day-to-day running of services and to contribute to the development of the work with prisoners and their families.

3. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Support Worker, in conjunction with the Managers will:

1. Assist with the booking in of visitors and create a pleasant and welcoming environment in which to meet and greet. Check identification and provide secure storage for items not permitted within the prison visits hall.

2. Provide a ‘listening ear’ to prisoners’ families and friends and display empathy.

3. Provide information about the prison.

4. Work as part of a team or independently to provide services for the prison.

5. Work with prisoners within the prison house blocks, to provide family support.

6. Provide information about the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme and establish that visiting arrangements are accessible to all visitors.

7. Assist with putting into practice Safeguarding procedure and policies.

8. Take responsibility for the safeguarding of children and young people who engage with staff, keep up to date records, follow NSPCC guidelines and work in conjunction with HMP Five Wells Public Protection department. You will be required to undertake Safeguarding training.

9. Ensure that the services provided are sufficiently staffed assisted by volunteers in order to co-ordinate and maintain rotas.

10. Be proactive in the recruitment of volunteers.

11. Ascertain the needs of visitors through the use of questionnaires, forums etc.

12. Assist with ensuring the service user gets the best possible outcome by facilitating and/or attending meetings with 3rd parties as required.

13. Offer support, advice and good quality information on a one-to-one basis and ensure referrals to appropriate agencies can be made when requested.

14. Assist with maintaining an up-to-date information service which covers a wide range of visitors’ needs for example: welfare, housing, benefits, debts etc.

15. Signpost visitors to external agencies as and when appropriate and take responsibility for displaying information.

16. Assist with overseeing the play and children’s activities and the provision for young people, in the prison.

17. Provide child friendly information and work as part of a team providing a variety of age- related children’s activities.

18. Assist with the maintenance of equipment and materials.

19. Assist and/ or facilitate interventions or family visits.

20. Assist with the running of a support helpline.

21. Maintain good working relationships with prison staff at all levels.

22. Attend relevant meetings within the prison as and when required. These will include meetings with G4S partner agencies engaged in rehabilitation and resettlement.

23. Assist with the collection of statistical information and maintain appropriate records.

24. Assist with the monitoring and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions provided by the keeping of careful records, contributing to the HMP Five Wells ‘Family & Significant Others Strategy’ and related Measurement Tools.

25. Assist with maintaining a complaints procedure.

26. Assist with maintaining security at all times and ensure that proper Fire and Health & Safety regulations are observed.

27. Ensure visitors have access to refreshments.

28. Adhere to the guidance contained within the Employees’ Handbook and be prepared to follow formally agreed discipline and grievance procedures.

29. Adhere to all HALOW (Birmingham) and prison policies & procedures which will include Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity, Child Protection, Vulnerable Adult Protection, Health & Safety, Security and GDPR.

30. Participate in staff meetings, training (e.g. first aid and safeguarding) and supervision.

31. Attend G4S non-custodial training courses to include SPEAR (personal protection) as required.

32. Staff will be part of the Community Engagement Strategy which promotes links between the community and HMP Five Wells.

33. Undertake, from time to time, other reasonable duties appropriate to the post as considered necessary by the HALOW (Birmingham) Board of Directors.