Wellbeing & Activities Worker

The Wellbeing & Activities Worker will work in prisons in the Northumberland and Durham area and also assist in other prisons in the region when required.

The post holder will deliver activity/social sessions in prisons in their area which will include preparation and liaison work within the prisons with internal and external organisations.

The successful candidate will develop a range of sources of information, activities to support the wellbeing of older people and develop a good knowledge of, and links with other services that may be able to offer support to older prisoners whilst in prison and on release.

Age UK North Tyneside have been working in prisons for over 5 years to support older prisoners and to improve the range of services and support available to them.

We now have an exciting opportunity to further develop the support we provide to older people in prisons across the North East. This role supports the work of Age UK’s in the North East region however the post holder is employed specifically by Age UK North Tyneside.

We are looking to recruit a vibrant and dedicated Wellbeing & Activities Worker to join our growing team, based in Northumberland and Durham and to occasionally assist in other prisons locations when required.

A flexible working pattern Monday to Friday is required. You will be responsible for delivering multiple social sessions in prisons, working both independently and collaboratively with your peers to devise, facilitate and evaluate engaging group activities for prisoners aged 50 plus.

This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of prisoners promoting their wellbeing, advocating on their behalf while abiding by organisational standards and compliance.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. Leading the planning and delivery of weekly social activities, incorporating the prisoners input across multiple prisons in Northumberland and Durham prisons to improve both the mental and physical wellbeing.
2. Foster collaboration with Age UK partners and other stakeholders within the prison system.
3. Provide information, advice and advocacy for the older prisoner population e.g. arranging occasional guest speakers to enrich sessions and enhance awareness on important age related issues and assess the impact of social sessions on participants.
4. Deliver a minimum of 6 sessions per week with varying group sizes across Northumberland and Durham prisons, with flexibility to support other locations where necessary.
5. Adhere to Age UK North Tyneside’s Policies and Procedures ensuring GDPR and confidentiality standards are followed.
6. Support quality assurance processes complying with the Equality Act 2010, providing equal opportunities to all prisoners.
7. Maintain accurate records and abide by Health and Safety procedures.
8. Using performance management systems and sending frequent updates to your line manager

Requirements

Essentials:

• Good level of written English and mathematics
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Possess a full driving license and use of own vehicle for work.
• Ability to work on own initiative and work with a wide range of stakeholders across all sectors (Public, Private and Third).
• Experience and comfortable facilitating, presenting and engaging with groups.
• Effective organisational and time management skills, both in terms of own work initiative and supporting the work of others with minimal supervision.
• Having the ability to meet targets within the deadlines set by the Manager of North-East Prisons.
• Self-motivated and confident and enjoys working with people in all their diversity and displays empathy and a non-judgemental approach.

Desirables:

• Knowledge of both men & women’s prisons issues
• Experience of working in the Criminal Justice Sector
• Experience working with targeted community groups.
• Full Enhanced DBS Check

Benefits:

• Travel allowance
• Applicable discounts
• Staff referral scheme
• Paid DBS
• Wellbeing Day