Mentor (Finance, Benefit & Debt, North East)

The Wise Group delivers the Finance, Benefit and Debt service on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, supporting people in prison and on probation across the North East of England.

This role is about more than financial advice. It’s about helping people stabilise their lives, reduce crisis and build stronger foundations for the future.

Many of the people we support are navigating multiple and interconnected challenges including debt, poor financial wellbeing, housing instability, unemployment, poor mental health and long-standing barriers to progression.

Using our Relational Mentoring approach, you will work alongside individuals in custody and in the community, helping them access financial support, manage debt, improve budgeting, navigate benefits systems and connect with wider services that support long-term stability and reintegration.

You will build trusted relationships that go beyond transactional support - helping people engage, regain confidence and move towards greater independence.

Working closely with prison staff, probation teams and local partners, you will play a key role in helping people navigate important transition points, particularly as they prepare to leave custody and reintegrate into their communities.

This service builds upon and complements the wider Justice services delivered by the Wise Group across England and Wales, including Personal Wellbeing and Women’s services.

This is not a typical support role.

Location Flexible – principally based across North East prisons and community settings, with some home working

Salary £25,664 + excellent benefits

Hours 35 hours per week (flexible working)

Status Fixed term until 26th February 2027

Please note:

• Regular travel across the North East of England is required
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential

What you’ll do

• Deliver one-to-one mentoring and advocacy support across custody and community settings
• Support individuals to address finance, benefits and debt-related challenges
• Build trusted relationships that encourage engagement and long-term progress
• Work collaboratively with prisons, probation and partner organisations
• Support individuals during key transition points, including release from custody
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service outcomes and reporting

What we’re looking for

• Experience in mentoring, advocacy, support or customer-focused roles
• Confidence supporting people facing complex or challenging circumstances
• Strong communication, organisational and relationship-building skills
• A practical, solutions-focused and resilient approach
• Confidence working across different environments, including prisons and community settings
• Ability to work independently while managing a varied caseload

Experience within custodial or criminal justice settings is advantageous, but not essential.

Essential requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Willingness to travel regularly across the North East of England
• Successful completion of enhanced Level 1 prison vetting
• Home broadband suitable for remote working

Why join the Wise Group

The Wise Group works alongside people facing some of the most complex challenges in society, using a relational approach focused on long-term stability rather than short-term fixes.

This role is part of a wider effort to improve outcomes for people involved in the justice system by delivering joined-up, person-centred and practical support that creates lasting change.

View the Role Profile for full details about this opportunity.