Position Overview & Specifications

Mentor for Ex-offenders

About Us

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association is a registered charity founded by Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, who arrived as a refugee in the back of a refrigerated container with his young family in 1999. We promote social and economic integration of an increasing number of Afghan, Ukrainian and other refugees. We use a community development ethos to support the development of their potential within a mutually supportive framework and we work with a wide range of partners to reach vulnerable and isolated individuals and families in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK.

Our experience and the quality of our provision is evidenced through our many achievements, including:

Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2018, awarded in recognition of the excellent work and central role that volunteers play in the delivery of the essential services run by the ACAA
Talent Match Mark Youth Friendly Gold Award from Youth Employment UK
The charity's founder, Dr Nasimi, was awarded an MBE for services to refugees by King Charles III in the New Year Honours List 2023.

Project Description

We are recruiting Mentors to provide one to one employment support for ex-offenders released from prison, returning to or settle in all areas of Kent. The content of the provision, is carefully designed to help individuals develop a positive mindset for their future career, be open to accepting advice and guidance and ultimately secure employment in the UK.

The role

Coping strategies and confidence building – as tools working towards preventing re-offending
Understanding and overcoming initial barriers on leaving prison
Understanding societal positioning – perceptions and misconceptions
Highlighting & discussing the Job Market for ex-offenders and awareness of pro ex-offender employers
CV preparation, Employment rights and benefits, employment related personal finance, i.e., salary, PAYE, National Insurance ID and document requirements
Applying for jobs including expected behaviours/etiquette, terminology in job adverts/job descriptions, employment stipulations (including health and safety) in contracts, job-hunting strategies, using job search websites (Indeed, Reed, Find A Job etc.)
Interviews techniques for in person and online interviews, communication, promoting customer service skills, CV/job specification preparation, presentation skills, Workplace Hygiene
Create to employers / work experience opportunities – utilising employer engagement specialist activity
Creating an action plan for each individual

Requirements:

Experience of helping individuals, in particular ex-offenders with finding a job and careers development
Fluency in written and spoken English
Strong interpersonal, organisational and communication skills

Preferable: