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Change Grow Live

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Change Grow Live (CGL) is a voluntary sector organisation specialising in substance misuse and criminal justice intervention projects in England...

Volunteer Support Worker Prison

This opportunity takes place between 01 Jul 2025 and 29 May 2026 Closing date for applications is 28 Feb.

As a volunteer you will be working alongside our teams in HMP/YOI Portland, HMP Guys Marsh and HMP The Verne supporting us to build a culture of recovery. If you would like to help other people change their lives whilst they are in prison, we'd love to have you on the team. Our amazing volunteers help us make a real difference to people’s lives. You'll give people support and inspiration that will help them change their lives for the better. As a volunteer you will be treated with respect and accepted for who you are. You don’t need to have personal experience of drug and alcohol recovery to get involved. We will support you in this volunteering role by ensuring that you receive regular supervision and have someone on site who you can approach for day-to-day advice and guidance. In return for the time, you give you will receive valuable training and gain experience and skills. You’ll be making a real difference too. All students will require an enhanced DBS and full Prison Vetting

After a full training programme you will work as a full member of the team with the following responsibilities

• Carry out comprehensive assessments, triage, risk assessments and risk management plans and to contribute to the development of individual community recovery plans

• To assist project worker with Pod and Group facilitation

• Review ongoing care and treatment whilst liaising closely with the full range of specialist workers within the multi-disciplinary prison team • To maintain personal administration

• Contribute to the overall performance of the service to ensure that output targets are achieved.

• Ensure effective case management and coordination covering areas of risk with a particular focus on safeguarding children and adults, problematic behaviour, housing, social and family functioning, and employability, psychological and physical and mental health.

• Ensure the accurate and timely recording of client data and information in order that the service operates within its requirements. • Ensure compliance within relevant organisational policies and procedures.

• Support with Reception

 

Benefits to self

To gain experience of working in prison with men working with GCL to address issues around substance use which has impacted their lives both in custody and also whilst in the community. You will be fully trained to gain the confidence and skills necessary to work in a fast paced environment.

Benefits to others

You will acquire a range of skills to help men with complex backgrounds to recognise and manage their lives whilst they are in custody and to help them prepare for release if appropriate.

Location

Prisons in Dorset and further afield

Training available

You will receive full training, the equivalent of a paid staff member, with the opportunity to shadow all of the roles within the team, including recovery coordinators, family workers, programme and 'through the gate' workers. You will receive regular support and supervsion

Hours per week

Full time 30 week placement

Fund-raising targets

0

Transport details

Due to the remote location of the prisons, the student would need to be able to drive and have access to a reliable vehicle.
  • Activity AreaDomestic Violence Support, Drugs and Addictions Support, Health and Social Care, Human and Civil Rights/Social Justice, People, Wellbeing, Advice/ Support, Office Admin
  • Employability Skills within ActivityAdministration/Office Skills, Buddying, Counselling, Mentoring, Empathy, Conflict Resolution, Critical Thinking, Digital, IT, Technology, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal, Networking, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Self Management, Teamwork
  • FacultyHealth & Social Sciences
  • Sustainable Development GoalsDecent Work and Economic Growth, Reducing Inequality

Employability skills

  • Communication 0
  • Interpersonal 0
  • Teamwork 0
  • Timekeeping 0
  • Relationship Building 0
  • Digital Skills 0
  • Administration/Office Skills 0