Sessional Team Member

The post holder will be a part of a team that will create a welcoming and inclusive environment for anyone visiting someone in prison. The role is varied, and you will support in all areas as and when required this includes welcoming visitors initially at the visitor centre, offering support and guidance, canteen duties, childcare, cleaning and general day to day activities required. The post holder will be required to deliver hospitality services within the centres.

Job Title Sessional Team Member – Visitors Centres

Accountable to Team Leader – Visitors Centres

Salary £13.41/hour plus 70p prison allowance per hour

Hours As and when required.

Magilligan visitors centre opening times currently:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 9.00am to 4.00pm

Opening days/hours are subject to change.

Please note lunch breaks are staggered to meet the requirements of the busy environments and ensure availability at all times for visitors.

Duration As and when required to provide cover for leave and other absence.

Location(s) The location of the post will be based in Magilligan Visitors Centre, Point Road, Limavady, BT49 0LR.

You may be required to attend training days and staff days in Niacro’s Head office in Amelia Street, Belfast occasionally.

Trade Union Employees are encouraged to join the Trade Union recognised for the purposes of collective bargaining, which is the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA).

Pension Niacro operates a Group Personal Pension Scheme. Niacro typically pays 9% with employees paying 8%. A death in service benefit is also in place.

Annual Leave 25 days annual leave per year, plus statutory holidays (increasing to 28 days after 5 full years’ service; up to a maximum of 30 days (pro rata for part time staff)

Travel Travel expenses at Niacro’s current rate will be payable for mileage undertaken in connection with work.

Access NI This post requires a check to be carried out under the requirements of ACCESS NI enhanced disclosure with children’s barred list. This full criminal records check will show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, cases pending or any other relevant information.

CTC Continuity of employment is subject to a full NIPS security check and full security clearance (CTC) being upheld for the duration of the post.

Training Niacro is committed to the continuous development of all its employees. The post holder will participate in all relevant training and development initiatives that are identified as required by the line manager.

Applicants must be age 18 or over on application to meet the requirements of the post. See Statement of non-discrimination below for more information.

Duties & responsibilities

To promote a friendly, caring and supportive atmosphere welcoming all who attend the visitor centres, buses and visiting halls.

Within the internal visiting area as a team member, you will provide a safe and secure play area/rest zone for the provision of child support services (creche). You will facilitate play activities and engage in age and stage appropriate play with the children visiting.

Support provision of Visitors Centre canteen facilities.

Prepare and engage in child centred activities and seasonal family events to meet the needs of children and young people visiting.

Assist in the preparation and serving of food/drinks in the visitor’s centre/visits area.

Clean and maintain canteen, kitchen equipment, visitor centres and toilets.

Maintain health and safety standards and participate in cleaning duties.

Building relationships over time to build trust and offer support and signpost to other services within the prison and beyond.

To participate in family seasonal events for families and children.

Keep appropriate records.

Liaison with prison staff on behalf of visitors as appropriate.

To undertake any relevant training in relation to the post such as NVQ in Childcare and Food Safety and Hygiene.

To undertake any other duties as required by the Visitor Centre Supervisor.

Person Specification

Essential

NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent in Childcare or willingness to obtain within 6 months of appointment to the role.

Experience of working directly with children, young people or directly with adults & families.

Ability to work in a challenging environment and remain calm.

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to relate sensitively to the needs of prisoners’ families.

Obtain a basic food and hygiene award or willingness to obtain within 6 months of appointment.

Good understanding of safeguarding.

Good understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Desirable

Experience of working in a Tea-bar environment or other retail outlets or working in an environment where customer service is important.

An awareness and understanding of the challenges facing those working in a custodial setting.

Hold a Health and Safety or First Aid Certificate.

Experience of working within the Criminal Justice System.

Experience of working with families under stress.

NB: To secure an interview all the essential criteria must be clearly demonstrated. If required, desirable criteria may be applied when shortlisting.