Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a charity and creative social enterprise committed to the rehabilitation of people in prison, and post-release. Our innovative Open the Gate (OTG) programme at our Battersea Hub offers work experience, volunteering opportunities, accredited training, mentoring, and signposting support to participants/ Apprentices at any point on their resettlement journey. We are now looking for an experienced and dynamic Engagement and Support Officer (ESO) to join our team. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people in contact with the criminal justice system and will work proactively to establish meaningful and sustainable cross-referral pathways with external agencies. They will nurture a professional, inclusive, and safe working environment; use their knowledge, insights, and expertise to support tangible outcomes for all Open The Gate participants; and develop the wider programme offer in line with our organisational objectives.

In line with our risk management policies and processes, the successful candidate for this role will be expected to support Open the Gate Apprentices with a range of offending histories.  Fine Cell Work does not discriminate on the basis of offence, and welcomes applications from any participants who believe they would benefit from the programme. 

Principal Accountabilities for the Core Job:

1.            Nurturing a professional working environment where Open The Gate Apprentices are supported to achieve their potential.

2.            Building and maintaining referral partnerships with external agencies [including HMP resettlement teams, probation services, approved premises and community-based organisations supporting prison-leavers] to increase participant numbers and sustain engagement with Open the Gate.

3.            Coordinating applications and referrals for prospective Apprentices, gathering relevant information for dissemination to the wider team.  

4.            Working with colleagues in the Programmes team to develop risk management and support plans for each Apprentice, using information regarding offences, licence conditions and risk areas, liaising closing with the probation service and other agencies where relevant.

5.            Ensuring timely, accurate, and safe recording of all information and personal data.

6.            Case management of Apprentices, including action-planning and goal setting in consultation with the Workshops Manager, supporting Apprentices to achieve work-ready outcomes in an agreed period.

7.            Providing day to day practical, pastoral, and sign-posting support to a caseload of Apprentices and providing ad-hoc support to graduate Apprentices when required.

8.            Working with the wider team at Fine Cell Work to develop and coordinate a series of employability and creative wellbeing workshops for Apprentices.

9.            Supporting small grant application processes on behalf of Apprentices.

10.         Responding to safeguarding concerns in line with Fine Cell Work policy and procedure.

11.         Supporting the Volunteer and Programmes Manager with the delivery of the Service User Involvement Strategy and championing service user involvement across the organisation more broadly.

12.         Supporting the Volunteer and Programmes Manager to recruit and deliver training to mentors and other volunteers in roles supporting Apprentices.

Working with the Volunteer and Programmes Manager to develop and enhance the Open the Gate mentor offer including as the first point of contact for mentors pre- and post- mentoring sessions. 

Knowledge and Skills for the role of Engagement and Support Officer

Essential

• The ability to build rapport, establish trust, and work non-judgementally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
•  At least 3 years’ professional experience working with adults in contact with the criminal justice system, assessing needs and risks, and formulating support plans.
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to manage competing priorities on a daily basis.
• Experience working alongside probation and other key workers to formulate risk management plans in line with licence conditions.
• Demonstrable experience of adult safeguarding and a proven ability to assess, manage, and effectively communicate risks and vulnerabilities.
• Demonstrable experience in seeking opportunities to increase referrals and build new referral pathways.
• A proven track record of case management, and experience ensuring all case records and caseload processes are clear and up to date.
• Experience in impact monitoring and evaluation and working to agreed targets and tangible outcomes, including supporting the writing of reports to Senior Managers.
• The ability to cope with the inherent challenges and demands of the role, maintaining well-being while effectively supporting Open The Gate Apprentices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a willingness to seek support when needed including accessing clinical supervision regularly.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Up to date knowledge of housing support, the benefits system, barriers to employment and other challenges facing people post-release.
• Experience of IT systems including Salesforce or other database management platform.
• Experience of working alongside volunteers.
• A knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice.
• An interest in, or appreciation of, the value of creative education

Location: Battersea, London 

This is a full-time (37.5 hours a week), permanent role, and is primarily office-based. 

Salary:up to £30,000, based on experience. 

Fine Cell Work offer the following benefits to all our team members: 

• A supportive learning culture and opportunities to develop in your role 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata) increasing after 2 years of service 

• Employer pension contribution after 3 month probationary period 

• Season ticket loan 

• Cycle to work scheme 

Fine Cell Work is committed to the principle of equality. No job applicant, employee, volunteer or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy status, age or disability and we will maintain a neutral working environment in which no employee or worker feels under threat or intimidated. 

Application process: 

To apply for this role please include a cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification, and a CV, by the 7th of September. Please note your application will not be considered if a cover letter is not included.

- First round of interviews: week commencing the 15th September

- Second round of interviews: week commencing the 22nd September