Mentoring & Advocacy Keyworker, Hydebank Wood College Belfast

Information on the experience and qualifications required for the post are outlined in the application pack.

Salary: NJC Points 23 – 25 (£21,268 – £22,658), plus environmental allowance

Base: Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison, Belfast

Probation: You will serve a probationary period of six months.  This may be extended if considered appropriate

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Contract: Fixed-term until August 2018 (subject to extension)

Background to the Project

The Mentoring and Advocacy service is designed to provide a continuum of support for young people and women in custody within Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison.  Funding for this service is confirmed until August 2018 (with possible extension).

Background to the Role

The Mentoring and Advocacy service provides the following interventions:

• Advocacy - internal disciplinary process;
• Advocacy - internal complaints process;
• One to one support - crisis response;
• One to one support – 12-week mentoring programme;
• Group work;
• Induction support; and
• Bespoke services based on the need presenting within the College. 

Main Responsibilities

• Engage and supervise clients, individually or in groups, who are undertaking project programmes and activities;
• Act as a mentor to identified clients, providing support in a non-threatening manner;
• Provide support and develop services for clients, and assist them to challenge their life choices;
• Develop new and innovative methods of working with clients which are sensitive to their needs;
• Provide regular progress reports on all activities undertaken, and update the internal Client Information System after all engagements.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders within Hydebank Wood College;
• Participate in conferences, courses and meetings organised/arranged by the organisation when required to do so;
• Help the development and maintenance of effective communication links with statutory, community and voluntary organisations;
• Work flexible hours to meet the needs of the organisation, which may include evening and weekend work;
• Act as a mentor and coach new members of staff, supporting and encouraging their personal and professional development;
• Be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users;
• Communicate effectively with other professionals who also provide services to young people;
• Assist with the creation of a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, to maintain and enhance the quality of care to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice;
• Understand the ethos of other organisations, and adapt programme material appropriately; and
• Participate in staff, team and project meetings on a regular basis.