Custody Careers Advisor

Full Time / Permenant

Location:

HMP Durham

We are looking for a passionate and motivated Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) Advisor to join our team at HMP Durham
.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping people develop the confidence, skills, and aspirations needed to build a positive future beyond custody. Through tailored careers guidance and employability support, you will help individuals identify realistic career goals, overcome barriers, and prepare for sustainable employment, education, or training on release.

If you're someone who believes in the power of second chances and wants a role with real purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

As an In Custody Careers Advisor, you will work directly with prisoners, providing one-to-one support and group-based interventions designed to improve career prospects and increase employability.

You'll create personalised action plans, help individuals recognise their strengths and potential, and support them to take meaningful steps towards achieving their goals. Working closely with prison education teams, employers, training providers, and probation services, you'll play a key role in creating pathways into employment and further learning.

Every day will be different, but every day will be an opportunity to have a lasting impact.

Delivering Careers Guidance

• Conduct one-to-one assessments to identify skills, interests, career ambitions, and development needs.
• Develop and review personalised Prisoner Learning Plans (PLPs) that support progression towards employment, education, or training.
• Provide practical careers advice that reflects individual circumstances, abilities, and aspirations.

Supporting Employability and Progression

• Deliver engaging workshops on employability skills, career planning, job searching, interview preparation, CV writing, and disclosure of convictions.
• Help participants understand realistic career pathways and identify opportunities available both in custody and after release.
• Support individuals to overcome barriers that may impact future employment outcomes.

Managing a Caseload

• Effectively manage a caseload of participants, maintaining regular contact and monitoring progress against agreed goals.
• Encourage and motivate individuals to remain engaged with their development plans.

Building Meaningful Relationships

• Develop professional, supportive, and non-judgemental relationships with participants.
• Create a safe environment where individuals feel encouraged to explore opportunities for change and personal growth.

Working with Partners

• Collaborate with prison departments, education providers, probation services, employers, and community organisations.
• Develop opportunities that connect participants with employers, further learning, training, and employment-focused activities.

Achieving Quality Outcomes

• Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with contractual and quality standards.
• Contribute towards performance targets, outcome measures, and service objectives.
• Ensure all work is delivered in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

Working within a custodial environment can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers you can choose.

You'll have the opportunity to support people at a pivotal moment in their lives, helping them gain new skills, improve their confidence, and prepare for a successful future in the community.

The impact of your work extends beyond the individual. By supporting people into positive destinations, you'll contribute to stronger communities, reduced reoffending, and lasting social change.

We’re looking for a dedicated Careers Information Advice and Guidance Advisor to join our team - a crucial role in supporting individuals inside a custodial setting by providing tailored career advice, guidance, and support.

We're looking for someone who is resilient, positive, and committed to helping others succeed.

You will ideally have:

• Experience delivering careers advice, employability support, coaching, mentoring, or guidance services.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supporting individuals who face barriers to employment or personal development.
• Confidence delivering workshops and group sessions.
• Excellent organisational and caseload management skills.
• The ability to build trust, motivate others, and maintain professional boundaries.
• A…