Youth Trauma Support Specialist and Mentor

The primary focus of this dynamic role is to spearhead an innovative mentoring program within HMP/YOI Feltham and the surrounding community, specifically targeting children and young adults. The mission is to ignite resilience in this demographic, ultimately curbing future negative behaviour.

In this exciting position, you'll provide transformative support to children and young adults in an HMPPS setting, helping them navigate and heal from past experiences of victimisation and trauma. By addressing these critical issues, we aim to significantly reduce the risk of violence and further negative activity.

Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to empower YOI staff through specialised training, enhancing their ability to recognise and respond to victimisation and trauma. You'll also equip victim support service personnel with the tools needed to effectively assist juvenile offenders. A cornerstone of your role will be providing ongoing mentoring support to individuals as they transition back into the community post-release or after court appearances.

Flexibility is key, as you'll navigate the complexities of cases involving individuals on remand or approaching potential release or court dates. This role is all about making a real difference in the lives of young people and their communities!

*We encourage applications from all backgrounds. 

 About you:

1. You will ideally have lived experience of the criminal justice system and/or knowledge of the criminal justice system and an awareness of the impact of custody on children and young adults and on their children and families. You will need clear understanding of professional boundaries which will enable you to work children and young adults and their families. 
2. You must have experience of working with children and young adults and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed approached services, aligned with a Child First Approach
3. You must have the ability to motivate and promote children and young adults’ belief in their ability to change, whilst challenging negative behaviour. You recognise the potentially damaging impact of stigmatising, in particular through the use of language and instead use de-stigmatising and humanising language.
4. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in partnership with a range of agencies for the benefit of service users and the ability to delivery training and upskilling, especially assisting in up-skilling the YOI staff on victim / offender overlap.
5. You will have good level of numeracy, literacy and excellent IT Skills and the ability to use casework systems and maintain accurate and comprehensive case notes.  

What we offer:

Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.