Get Set UK
Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) Advisor – Prison Services
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Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) Advisor – Prison Services (Maternity Cover)
The Real Job
A prison sentence should not mean the end of someone’s working future. As a CIAG Advisor, you will help people in custody understand their skills, make realistic plans and prepare for employment, training or education after release.
You will deliver one-to-one careers guidance, create action plans and run practical workshops on CVs, applications, interviews, financial awareness and digital skills.
This is purposeful work, but it is not simply about encouraging conversations. You will manage a caseload, maintain accurate records, work towards clear outcomes and follow strict prison security, safeguarding and data-protection requirements.
Some people will have limited work history, low confidence, learning needs or significant barriers outside the prison. You will identify what is preventing progress, connect them with appropriate support and challenge unrealistic thinking or a lack of engagement professionally.
A Day in the Role
After entering the prison and completing security procedures, you check the prison regime, planned movements and any changes affecting your appointments.
You may help someone approaching release create an employment plan, support another person to recognise transferable skills and deliver a workshop on CVs or interviews.
You will update records and work with prison colleagues, training providers, employers and community services. Plans can change quickly: movements may be delayed, sessions cancelled or access restricted. You must remain organised and re-engage people when circumstances allow.
The Parts People Can Underestimate
You will need to be comfortable with:
- Working every day inside a secure custodial environment.
- Following searches, restricted-item rules and security procedures.
- Delays, lockdowns and cancellations outside your control.
- Supporting people who may be anxious, distrustful or disengaged.
- Hearing difficult information while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Adapting your approach to different communication and learning needs.
- Delivering group workshops and one-to-one guidance.
- Managing a caseload and working towards outcome targets.
- Completing accurate records and evidence promptly.
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This role will suit someone who can build trust, follow strict procedures and remain effective when plans change. It is not a role without targets or administration.
What You Need to Bring
We are looking for evidence of:
- Experience in careers guidance, employability coaching or rehabilitation support.
- Delivering effective one-to-one sessions and group workshops.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- Strong organisation, accurate records and reliable follow-through.
- Resilience, sound judgement and professional boundaries.
- An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and compliance.
- A Level 3 or higher qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance, or willingness to work towards the required Level 4 qualification.
Experience in prisons or criminal justice is helpful but not essential. Motivational interviewing, trauma-informed practice or neurodiversity training would also be valuable.
What Success Looks Like
Within 90 days, you should understand the prison regime, manage your caseload confidently and deliver purposeful guidance and workshops. Your action plans and records should be accurate and timely.
You will receive structured training, management support and regular feedback.
What You Will Get
Benefits include 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, an employee ownership share scheme, wellbeing support and development opportunities.
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About Get Set UK
Get Set UK delivers employment, skills, health and justice programmes and is part of Palladium, a global group operating across more than 90 countries.
Before You Apply
Please review your CV carefully. You will advise others on CVs and applications, so your own should demonstrate the standard you would recommend.
It should be clear, current, accurate and tailored, with evidence of achievements rather than duties alone.
Our Recruitment Process
The process includes an application questionnaire, CV review, recruiter conversation, online role assessment and hiring-manager interview with a realistic role exercise.
We are recruiting in advance because prison clearance can take time. Successful candidates must complete an Enhanced DBS check and prison vetting, including checks of employment history and criminal-record information. You cannot begin work inside the prison until the required clearance is confirmed.
Eligibility and Inclusion
You must have the full right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references, right-to-work checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, prison vetting and any other required safeguarding or security checks.
Get Set UK is a Disability Confident and Equal Opportunity Employer. Disabled applicants who evidence the minimum essential criteria will be offered an interview. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the process.
If the purpose, challenge and responsibility of this work appeal to you, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Get Set for a better tomorrow. Apply today.
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