Mentoring Prison Officer

The deadline for this vacancy has passed.

THE ROLE 

Mentoring Prison Officers (MPOs) are one of the most important aspects of the Unlocked Graduates’ programme. You’ll typically work with 20-25 new officers in two or three prisons, spending one or two days a week in each establishment. You will support groups of participants from day one of their training until the end of their two years, coaching them on everything from prison procedures to career opportunities. You remain an operational member of staff, but you will not carry out operational duties as part of the MPO role.

During a typical week, you will run regular bespoke training, fortnightly group supervisions and fortnightly 1-to-1 coaching/mentoring sessions with the participants. These take place within their establishments, helping to develop them into exceptional prison officers and leaders. You’ll record and monitor their progress, working with managers and governors in the prisons to get a full picture of your graduates’ performance. Other MPOs and your line manager will support your decision making and planning.

We prioritise your professional development. One day a week is spent with your line manager and MPO team receiving training which includes working towards a coaching qualification (Level 5 equivalent); adult facilitation training; group supervision; updates from Head Office staff on the programme and its developments and external training opportunities (for example Mental Health First Aid).

At Summer Institute (our version of initial prison officer training), you will work closely with Trainer Expert Advisors from Learning & Development to support your groups, delivering training alongside them. Previous experience of facilitation is not required: you will receive training on this during your induction and throughout your secondment. Participants build strong relationships with you during Summer Institute, and highly value the practical experience you can convey to them.

You will not be required to work nights or weekends as part of the MPO role. You will be paid as a Band 5 and continue to receive any unsociable hours allowances.

EXPERIENCE

• Qualified and current prison officer with 2 years operational experience.
• A strong understanding of the prison environment and the experiences encountered in frontline roles.
• Experience of developing and improving staff, formally or informally.
• Able to use computer systems to monitor participant performance.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via JobTrain.

The deadline for applications for this role is Monday 8th January 2024 at 9am. Round 1 interviews will take place week commencing 15th January 2024. Assessment Centres will take place week commencing 22nd January 2024.

We would encourage you to let your No 1 Governor know you are applying for this post. Unlocked will inform No 1 Governors at the shortlisting stage. Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer until final sign-off from their Governor.

For more information about the role, please email Tessa.Jennett@unlockedgrads.org.uk (Head of Region, North) or Danielle.Dodd@unlockedgrads.org.uk (Head of Region, South)