IOMU Caseworker (Pathway 8+9)

Job Introduction

Sodexo Justice Services has been operating in the United Kingdom since 1993. We operate five prisons in the UK and have a reputation for operating excellent, ethical, innovative and rehabilitative services. Our vision is to become a strategic partner of our clients by designing, managing and delivering quality of life services which make a meaningful difference to offenders by changing lives for the better.

Awarded a bronze accreditation by Investors in People, Bronzefield focuses on providing needs-based services and programmes aimed at rehabilitating and maintaining the well-being of prisoners.

The Pathway 8+9 IOMU Caseworker will be responsible for developing and maintaining support for female prisoners

Role Responsibility

The Pathway 8+9 IOMU Caseworker will be responsible for developing and maintaining support for female prisoners who have been abused, raped, or who have experienced domestic abuse in a 1:1 or group-work setting (Pathway 8), and developing and maintaining support for women who have been involved in sex working (Pathway 9).  They will also be responsible for establishing similar support for the any children or visitors who may have been affected by domestic violence, if necessary and in conjunction with the Family Support Worker.

The member of staff requires specialist knowledge in the fields of domestic abuse/sex working, and will also be required to signpost to other more appropriate organisations such as the Freedom Project, Jericho Road, Magdelene Group, Dawn Project, New Futures etc.  The member of staff will need to have good relationships with partners working within the prison and also strong community links.
 

They will be able to facilitate short workshops to assist the women in building their self confidence and esteem, and could include, but is not limited to; personal appearance, positive thinking, motivational skills and making useful contacts in readiness for release.

In addition they will act as an IOMU Caseworker; appropriately identifying risk and case managing prisoners in custody including preparing the prisoners for release by providing assistance and support with resettlement needs.  To lead on providing an effective link between women in custody and their families, in close liaison with the Family Support Worker, PACT Worker and other agencies, providing a level of service that is professional and courteous.

*A full job description is available upon request via the PeopleCentre

The Ideal Candidate

• Knowledge of the support available for anyone involved in either Pathways 8 + 9.
• Knowledge and previous experience of assisting men/women find appropriate help and support.
• Experience of working with client groups which could include sex workers, showing an interest in the rehabilitation and resettlement of such a group.
• Able to communicate effectively at all times through different mediums, including spoken and written communication, and facilitating groups.
• A commitment to equality and inclusion, health and safety in the workplace and an interest in people.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to keep accurate and up-to-date records.
• Flexible and adaptable in working style and able to find creative solutions to problems.
• Ability to work in partnership with others as part of a team, or work independently as necessary.
• A non judgemental understanding of the issues affecting women in a custodial environment and an awareness of key social problems affecting their effective resettlement into the community.
• An understanding of the 9 Pathways to Reducing Re-offending.
• Developed communication skills, oral and written.
• An ability to work efficiently within a busy department whilst maintaining high standards across all job aspects.
• An ability to deal with aggressive/abusive behaviour whilst remaining professional.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to others.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and on an individual basis.
• Effective organisational skills including the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Ability to question and evaluate information and make appropriate defensible decisions.  
• A non judgemental understanding of the issues affecting women in a custodial environment and an awareness of key social problems affecting their effective resettlement into the community.
• Developed communication skills, oral and written.
• An ability to work efficiently within a busy department whilst maintaining high standards across all job aspects.
• An ability to deal with aggressive/abusive behaviour whilst remaining professional.
• Demonstrate an ability to negotiate on behalf of children in care and their families.
• Flexible and innovative in approach.
• To be committed to personal development.

Desirable

• Experience of working these particular client groups
• An appreciation of the relevant legislation relating to Domestic Abuse, including child protection procedures
• Experience of managing own caseload, and carrying out appropriate risk assessments
• Relevant training , to constantly build up knowledge of client groups i.e. Domestic Abuse
• Good network of contacts in community organisations that could help prisoners when released.
• Experience of working within a custodial environment.
• Understanding of the wider criminal justice system.
• Previous Housing experience and training.
• Previous experience of supporting women with Finance, Benefit and Debt issues.
• Ability to identify patterns, cycles and trends in informative/behaviour.
• Uderstanding of social services work in the community.

Package Description

£22,77.54 plus London weighting and benefits including free parking, free meals, subsidised Gym, pension, group discount scheme etc

About the Company

Sodexo UK & Ireland employs around 36,000 people and delivers On-site Service Solutions to clients at over 2,300 locations including offices, hospitals, schools, defence sites, prisons, sporting events and visitor attractions.  Sodexo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Criminal Records Bureau (UK) and/ or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)