Prison Advocate

Service Care Solutions Ltd; Ashford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

Prison Advocate

Location: HMP Bronzefield

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Temporary rolling contract

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

About Us

Our client is an award-winning, women-only organisation established in 1998, dedicated to supporting women and girls who have experienced domestic abuse and those with short-term sentences to reduce reoffending. We empower women to lead safe, non-violent, and independent lives, ensuring they have access to the support they need. We operate through a community-based approach, offering best-practice support to women in local settings, including women’s centres. We work in close partnership with other agencies to provide a holistic and effective service.

Our values: Listen and Support | Empower and Respect | Collaborate | Innovate | Accountability

About the Role

As a Prison Advocate, you will provide specialist support to women on remand or awaiting sentencing at HMP Bronzefield. Your role will focus on pre-release support in key areas such as Accommodation, Finance, Debt & Benefits, Family & Significant Others, and Social Inclusion. You will work closely with the Offender Management Team and other prison service providers to develop referral pathways, ensuring women can access tailored support both inside and outside prison. The role combines direct casework, advocacy, and signposting, helping women navigate the challenges of the criminal justice system and reintegrate into society post-release.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for women in custody, conducting triage assessments and developing person-centred support and action plans.
• Work in partnership with prison services and community organisations to establish effective referral pathways.
• Case management: Provide direct support to women, ensuring access to housing, financial support, and family/social reintegration services.
• Offer ‘through the gate’ support, ensuring continuity of care and access to relevant community-based services upon release.
• Work closely with Pre-Release Teams to secure suitable housing and financial assistance for clients.
• Advocate for women within the prison system, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
• Facilitate group interventions and structured support sessions within the prison environment.
• Identify safeguarding concerns, ensuring all relevant procedures and risk assessments are followed.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to project monitoring and evaluation.

About You

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with vulnerable women, particularly those in the criminal justice system.
• Case management expertise, including risk assessment, safety planning, and support plan development.
• Strong knowledge of housing, benefits, debt management, and social inclusion services.
• Ability to build relationships with prison staff and external support agencies.
• Experience delivering trauma-informed, gender-specific interventions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to advocate on behalf of clients.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a high caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• A solid understanding of safeguarding and risk management procedures.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working in prisons or with ex-offenders.
• Understanding of domestic abuse, coercion, and control, and how these issues impact women in custody.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (preferred but not essential).

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting women in the criminal justice system and want to be part of a pioneering organisation, we encourage you to apply. For more information, please contact Oliver Jefferson on [e-mail] or call 01772 208962.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and an enhanced DBS check.