As a Band 4 Specialist Vocational Instructor you will lead a team of prisoners within the workshop helping them to become the best versions of themselves. Finding employment upon release is key to changing lives and reducing reoffending and as an instructor in a workshop that’s just what you’ll contribute towards. We will reply on you to train and supervise a team of prisoners to ensure that items made or repaired in your workshop meet the highest standards. You will set tasks to match their ability, while ensuring safety and production is maintained at all times. You will work in partnership with internal and external contracts to provide important services across a wide range of sectors. Along the way, you could play a part in innovating products for use in a custodial setting or launching a new range for another government department. You will certainty discover potential for rewarding development of your career and the most unique challenges.

As well as knowledge and skills spanning your specialism, you will need strong communication and influencing skills and a caring, resilient approach.

Overview of the job

This is a non-operational instructional job in an establishment.

Summary

The job holder will be responsible for instructing and training prisoners by building effective, appropriate and supportive relationships through managing them in a proactive manner and promoting the decency agenda. Contributes to sentence planning and reducing reoffending. Applies safer custody practices and complies with national and local security standards. Responsible for high level of security, productivity, good order and hygiene within workshops areas.

This is a non-operational job in an establishment with no line management responsibilities.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Deliver training to prisoners in construction to cover both the establishment’s needs and aspirations in working towards gaining industry recognised accreditations.
• Participate in the selection process of prisoners for the workshop/area of work undertaking prisoner learning need assessments.
• Induct prisoners to the workshop/area of work and train them in aspects such as Health and Safety, Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH), machinery and tools usage.
• Provide support for prisoners where required; tailor learning and training requirements to individual needs.
• Maintain and update learner records including their Individual Learning Plan accordingly.
• Assess and evaluate skills of prisoners including National Vocational Qualification levels 1 and 2 and other relevant industry recognised qualifications.
• Liaise with Headquarters Learning and Skills staff where required.
• Undertake the registration, supervision, monitoring, assessment and accreditation of learners in accordance with awarding body requirements.
• Maintain awarding body quality standards and contribute towards internal and external verification as required.
• Set learning aims and learning goals, reviewing and providing feedback on prisoner progress.
• Provides support and advice on career opportunities for area of work.

Undertake other instructor tasks including:

• Supervise and maintain discipline of prisoners receiving training, education or work experience. Responsible for performance, motivation, discipline, appraisal and development of prisoners.
• Open and complete Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) forms, Violence Reduction Incident Reports (VRIR) and Security Information Reports (SIRs) when required and contribute to Incentive Earned Privileges (IEP) reports.
• Carry out prisoner searches on their entry and exit of the training room/ workshop.
• Log attendance and approve prisoner hours worked and wages including recording piece work for individual prisoners in certain workshops.
• Carry out fabric checks of workshops and maintain security of locks, bolts and bars used in the workshop.
• Contribute to prisoner reports including parole, sentence planning and Individual Learning Plan.
• Complete regime monitoring information and update prisoner training records.
• Log any tool/equipment faults, which require maintenance and repair of tools.
• Conduct risk and health and safety assessments on consumables under Safer Custody guidelines.
• Order materials and estimate usage in order to meet work learning targets.
• Participate in self-audit and in achieving Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs).
• Complete administration activities to support the smooth running of the workshop.
• Open up individual learning paths for learner and keep them updated.
• Locate individual learners’ literacy and numeracy levels for their initial assessment and support them in developing their skills further.
• Advise and assist learners in seeking appropriate and relevant employment opportunities upon resettlement.
• Maintain regular communications via radio net in accordance with Local Security Strategy (LSS).
• Supervise, manage and control prisoners decently, safely and securely whilst carrying out all activities.
• Understand, apply and conform to national and local polices.
• Establish, develop and maintain professional relationships with prisoners and staff.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings as required.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Essential Experience

• Be able to demonstrate at least 2 years relevant vocational experience in Construction.
• Possesses the ability to deliver high quality, learner focused Vocational qualifications up to Level 2 in Wall and Floor Tiling.
• Hold either a Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Basic Construction Skills.
• When transferring to a Young Persons establishment the job holder will be required to successfully undertake an assessment to demonstrate suitability
to work with Young People

Technical Requirements

• Hold the relevant Assessor qualification or be willing to obtain it within 6 months of appointment to the role.
• Either hold or complete specific training to hold qualifications required for area of specialism.

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

37 hour working week (standard).