IOMU Caseworker (Fixed Term)

Job Introduction

HMP Bronzefield are currently recruiting for an IOMU Caseworker on a 12 months fixed term contract.

As an IOMU Caseworker, you will assess the likelihood of reoffending and risk of harm an individual presents to themselves and others and case manage residents in custody. This includes preparing them for release by providing motivation, assistance and support with resettlement needs as part of a sentence plan.

We house up to 572 women (approximately 14.5% of the national female prison population). The women in our custody have a diverse and complex set of needs and range from mothers and babies, young offenders, life and long term sentenced women, short to mid-term sentenced women, foreign nationals and women on remand. HMP/YOI Bronzefield is a closed local prison serving courts across the South of England. Our mission is to deliver quality of life services which make a meaningful difference to women in the criminal justice system by supporting them to change their lives for the better. To achieve this we focus on providing needs-based services and programmes to rehabilitate and improve the well-being of our women. 

We have been awarded a bronze accreditation by Investors in People for our commitment to our staff, their development, engagement and investment in a sustainable future.

Sodexo Justice aims to change lives for the better by reducing reoffending and improving the quality of life for those under our supervision and in our care. We deliver safe, effective and innovative custodial and community rehabilitation services that challenge offending behaviour, protect the public and offer individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better. We deliver the total operation of five prisons within the UK and own six Community Rehabilitation Companies in partnership with crime reduction charity Nacro.

Role Responsibility

• Completion of Part 1 of the Basic Custody Screening Tool (BCST)
• Manage a caseload of women in custody, including regularly meeting individuals in order to motivate, support and coach offenders to achieve the objectives of their sentence plan, and to review progress
• Undertake OASys, Sentence Planning, Risk Management and any other risk assessments as required to do so
• Liaise effectively with other agencies and disciplines to meet identified concerns in custody and community, including women involved in sex work and at risk of domestic abuse.
• Refer individuals to and facilitate the delivery of offending behaviour programmes by other prison departments and/or partner organisations
• Provide reports as requested to support other custodial processes, including Home Detention Curfew (HDC), Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL), Mother & Baby Unit (MBU), MAPPA and Parole and to attend related meetings as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with residents, colleagues, voluntary sector and partner agencies
• Maintain accurate paper and computer records (including updating information on NOMIS and CMS), and complete other administrative tasks.
• Work at all times in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidance and policy (including PSOs/PSIs, information assurance and data protection). 

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Ability to build professional pro-social relationships (with prisoners; with other prison staff; and with partner agencies).
• Ability to question and evaluate information about individuals (including identify patterns and trends in offending behaviour), assess risks, write reports and make appropriate defensible decisions based on your analysis.
• Knowledge of the 9 Pathways to Reducing Re-offending (for women).
• Non-judgmental understanding of the life experiences and social problems affecting women in custody and how these also affect their ability to resettle effectively and safely into the community.
• Ability to deal with aggressive/abusive behaviour whilst remaining professional.
• Effective organisational skills suited to a busy department, including the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines and maintain high standards across all elements of the job.
• Ability to work effectively both in a team and on an individual basis.
• Developed communication skills (both oral and written).

Desirable

• Experience of working in a custodial environment and/or of working with offenders in the community.
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Understanding of the wider criminal justice system, including public protection arrangements.
• Experience of working on housing issues and related training.
• Experience of risk assessment and/or risk management.
• Awareness of the Transforming Rehabilitation changes currently underway in probation and prison services.
• Degree in a related subject (eg, criminology, sociology, psychology/forensic psychology) or relevant vocational qualification

Package Description

£24,970.32 + London weighting £287.75 recurring monthly

Excellent benefits including season ticket loans, free meals, free parking, subsidised gym membership, group discount schemes, pension and 28 days holiday.

About the Company

Sodexo Justice aims to change lives for the better by reducing reoffending and improving the quality of life for those under our supervision and in our care. We deliver safe, effective and innovative custodial and community rehabilitation services that challenge offending behaviour, protect the public and offer individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better. We deliver the total operation of five prisons within the UK and own six Community Rehabilitation Companies in partnership with crime reduction charity Nacro.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

Please note all roles within Sodexo Justice are subject to security and recruitment checks which may include a Social Media Check. You will also be asked to provide 3 years’ worth of references and request employment history details from the HMRC.