Personal Development Mentor – Highland, Moray, Aberdeenshire (Shine Women’s Mentoring Service)

Apex Scotland is the leading employment and training organisation specialising in work with people with convictions.

We now have an opportunity in the Highland area, working as part of a team who provide various support services.  Apex Scotland delivers the Shine Women’s Mentoring Service in various areas, working as part of a Scotland wide public social partnership offering a mentoring service to female prolific offenders.  This is an exciting initiative, aiming to reduce re-offending amongst females and contributing to the Scottish Government’s reducing re-offending strategy.

Shine offers females serving short term custodial sentences a ‘through-the-gate’ mentoring and support service, providing practical and emotional support to help them move back into the community and begin to build a life free of offending.

We are looking to recruit a full time Personal Development Mentor (PDM) to join our team. The staff base will be Inverness; however, it is anticipated that there will be extensive travel throughout the Highland, Moray and Aberdeenshire area.  This service is currently funded to March 2025.  Applications for part time/job share welcome.  Working out of office hours may be required including some evening or weekends.

The post holder will operate in Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire, providing intensive support to women in the criminal justice system, currently serving a prison sentence; remanded into custody or subject of a Community Payback Order and who choose to engage and work with Shine Women’s Mentoring Service. This post consists of both, prison-based and community-based working and candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent levels of professionalism within both settings, in order to maximise the quality of relationships Apex holds with our valued partners.  Support needs of women in the criminal justice system vary enormously, examples include drug and alcohol misuse, experience of abusive and or exploitative relationships, physical and mental issues often alongside chaotic lifestyles resulting from past traumatic experiences. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience of working with women within it is desirable but not essential as training will be given.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate outstanding verbal and written communication skills as this will be imperative to distinction of service. The ability to work both as part of a team and independently is required, experience of inter-agency working is essential. Effective communication is an essential part of the role, along with an understanding of the importance of integrated and multi-agency working. A commitment to Apex’s value base is crucial, as this type of work can be challenging. Experience of working with people with complex needs, people who have offended or in a health or social care environment would be preferred.

A relevant qualification is desirable but is not essential.  A valid driving licence and access to a car is essential for this post.  Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) is a requirement for this post.

Please forward your CV and cover letter on what you feel you could bring to this role to  hr@apexscotland.org.uk by 12 noon on Monday 22 April 2024.  Interviews will be held on 8 May 2024.  You can also complete your application using our website application form, if preferred.

In view of the nature of the New Routes post and the requirement to work within the prison setting, the successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check.

Shine Job Description November 2023