Careers at Big Life

Mental Wellbeing Coach (Prison Based)

About us

Big Life is in the business of changing lives. We fight inequality by working with people and places to create opportunities and inspire change. Whatever service we deliver to help people to change their lives, we do things the Big Life Way.

What you’ll be doing

As a Mental Wellbeing Coach for our new prison-based mental wellbeing service, you will support people in prison to navigate their way through the complex health and social care environment, removing the barriers that may impede self-management and helping to embed coping strategies.

The service works in collaboration with partner organisations to provide one-to-one support and group support, as well as targeted wellbeing courses tailored to the specific priorities of people in prison; to enhance their overall wellbeing including their mental health, coaches will provide brief psychological interventions and coping techniques.

You will work in the prison estate to offer help, advice, and emotional support to people in prison, using person-centred coaching tools and relationship-based practice to support people to achieve goals and address issues that are important to them. You will develop effective working relationships with partners, stakeholders, and local organisations to create social networks and local activities that can be sustained by the community in the longer-term, once a person in prison has been released.

What we need from you

• You will have experience of working with people facing a range of barriers and social issues.
• You will have experience of managing a caseload of clients and keeping up to date records using a database.
• You will have the ability to manage a varied and complex workload effectively.
• You will have knowledge and understanding of the difficulties faced by people who experience multiple needs.
• You will have a positive outlook and a ‘can do’ attitude.’

What we will offer you in return

• An annual salary of £32,654 (NJC SCP 22)
•   A fixed-term contract to cover Maternity Leave until July 2026.
•   You’ll work across our four prison sites: HMP Forrest Bank, HMP Styal, HMP Risley and HMP Thorn Cross
•   25 days holiday, and 30 once you’ve been here five years
•   Within the prison regime you can plan your own day, take breaks when you need them and enjoy your work
•   Ongoing personal and professional development through regular supervision
•   A supportive, flexible approach to managing staff health and wellbeing, including a wide range of perks, schemes and support.

What’s next?

If you’re ready to make a difference and improve the lives of people in prison and to help them achieve their full potential, then click apply and complete the short application process.

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and would especially like to hear from applicants from Black, Asian and other racially marginalised communities.

The closing date for applications is Monday 31 March 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted. Interviews will take place week beginning 7 April 2025.

If you need more support or for information in a different format, please contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@thebiglifegroup.com.

Big Life strives to be diverse and inclusive - a place where we can all be ourselves. We strongly encourage applicants from all parts of society.

You can read on our careers site about the actions we are taking ourselves to fight inequality and inspire change.

We actively value the lived experiences and expertise of our staff, volunteers and the people who use our service and see the extra value that they bring to our organisation.