PURPOSE of POST (Role Statement)

Post
Salary
Hours
Accountable
Based / Community Chaplain
1 year fixed term contract
£28,553
38 hours including some weekendworking
To the Chief Executive
Out of HMYOI Isis with travel to other prisons

PURPOSE OF POST (Role Statement)

Under the direction of the CEO, and in collaboration with other Community Chaplains and the Project Co-ordinator to maintain, co-ordinate and develop an ecumenical team of volunteers, who will support one or more young ex-offenders(service users)aged 15 to 25 during their re-integration into society on discharge from prison.

The successful candidate will work with those of all faiths, but will have a particular responsibility for service users and volunteers from the Christian faith (one of the two largest faiths represented in the prison).

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Develop links and work with the prison Chaplains, external faith communitiesand associated organisations to further the Community Chaplaincy vision.

Attend a variety of services at relevant prisons and faith communities across London.

Set up networks of support by recruiting and training groups of volunteers drawn from the London-wide faith communities. This includes: organising recruitment drives, promotions, open days, networking with referring organisations and other means as may be appropriate.

Facilitate and undertake the volunteer selection process.

Undertakevolunteer training and development; including developing and running an induction and ‘shadowing programme’.

Within a structure and framework already established, to identify, risk assess and match suitable young ex-offenders and their local volunteermentor.

Provide follow up support to the mentor and young man after leaving prison and ensure the relationship continues in the community.

Motivate and supervise volunteers; holding regular supervision and support sessions and support the running of ‘peer support’ meetings, ensuring their work is fit for purpose.

Provide advocacy, information and advice in support of volunteers.

Monitor the activities of and carry out regular reviews with all volunteers. This includes obtaining weekly feedback from volunteers via phone, email or in person. Volunteers will be spread across London.

Work collaboratively with the Project Co-ordinator to maintain a volunteer forum on the web.

Encourage local communities to respond to the needs of ex-offenders.

Maintain working relationships with the relevant statutory and voluntary agencies.

Work creatively and imaginatively to realise the objectives of FCCT.

Organise volunteer events and identify methods of acknowledging outstanding contributions and long-term service of volunteers, sharing learning, resources and good practice with partner organisations.

With the agreement of the CEO attend appropriate partnership and networking meetings.

Provide regular reports to the Chief Executive as required.

Undertake any other tasks related to the project as agreed.

Community Chaplain Person Specification

ELEMENTS / ESSENTIAL / PREFERRED
EXPERIENCE / Significant experience of co-ordinating a volunteer programme; of the recruitment, placement and management of volunteers. / Experience of working with ex offenders.
Experience of being in an organisation that supports vulnerable people. / Experience of recruitment and selection
Experience of developing training programmes and of delivering training. / Experience of being a volunteer.
Experience of supporting the personal development of volunteers or staff. / Experience of working with accreditation and quality assurance frameworks.
SKILLS / Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to relate well to a wide variety of people and including those from different faith backgrounds.
Ability to identify and respond to the unmet needs of volunteers.
Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office
A high level of organisational and administrative skill.
Ability to provide spiritual support to volunteers and beneficiaries, when required
KNOWLEDGE / Knowledge of good practice on issues relating to volunteers.
Legal issues in relation to volunteering.
Understanding and knowledge of current criminal justice issues especially regarding the resettlement of prisoners and of restorative justice.
Knowledge of relevant voluntary sector organisations across London
Understanding of different faiths represented at Isis (48% Christian, 35% Muslim, 16% Other or no faith) and an ability to communicate the project’s aims to a multitude of faith communities across London
ATTITUDE / Self-motivated with ability to work to tight deadlines, under pressure and prioritise a busy workload. / An understanding of and commitment to the positive impact of volunteering.
Willingness to use initiative whilst working effectively as part of a team.
Recognition of how volunteers differ from paid staff.
Empathy with the organisation’s multi-faith character.
Non judgemental; confident and a good listener.
Commitment to FCCT’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
QUALIFICATIONS / Good standard of education.
(No formal qualifications necessary but relevant experience essential)

JD CC July 2015