Approved Premises Residential Support Worker, Cardiff with Visa Sponsorship

The Ministry of Justice is seeking Approved Premises Residential Support Workers for Mandeville House in Cardiff, offering a compelling opportunity for those passionate about rehabilitation and resettlement. This role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to build a career in the UK's Civil Service, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. With a salary ranging from £28,064 to £33,549, this position also offers flexible working arrangements, including full-time and part-time options.

Job Description

As an Approved Premises Residential Support Worker, you will be a vital part of a team providing 24-hour cover, ensuring the safety and security of residents and the premises. Your responsibilities will include working directly with people on probation, contributing to their risk management and sentence plan objectives, and promptly reporting any significant changes related to risk or non-compliance.

This role involves active engagement with residents, maintaining discipline, and ensuring adherence to Approved Premises rules and licence conditions. You will also contribute to managing residents' risks, with duties including substantial out-of-hours work, such as waking night shifts and weekend work, to support a safe and secure environment.

Requirements

• Experience working with a diverse range of people who have experienced social/personal difficulties.
• Ability to undertake regular inspections of the building and monitor CCTV equipment.
• Capacity to engage with residents in a pro-social manner and challenge aggressive behaviour appropriately.
• Proficiency in observing and reporting significant changes relating to risk and/or re-offending.
• Eligibility to work in the UK, with visa sponsorship available for foreign applicants requiring a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from £28,064 to £33,549.
• Flexible working options including full-time, part-time, and job share.
• Opportunity for career progression within the Ministry of Justice and wider Civil Service.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Generous annual leave allowance and a Civil Service pension scheme.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting this Civil Service role, preparing thoroughly is key. Focus on tailoring your CV to highlight any experience working with vulnerable populations or in security-conscious environments, ensuring it aligns with UK professional standards. A strong LinkedIn profile showcasing your skills and experience can also enhance your application, and a well-crafted cover letter should explicitly link your background to the job description, especially your ability to handle diverse social and personal difficulties.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of risk management and rehabilitation processes. If you require visa sponsorship, be prepared to confidently address this, perhaps by briefly mentioning your eligibility for the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa and your commitment to a long-term career in the UK. Emphasise your resilience, communication skills, and ability to work effectively within a team, as these are critical for Approved Premises roles.

• Ensure your CV is polished, in a UK format, and clearly outlines relevant experience.
• Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with supporting vulnerable individuals and managing risk.
• Understand the Civil Service Behaviours (Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Developing Self and Others, Delivering at Pace) and prepare examples.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and Approved Premises operations to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Be ready to discuss your visa status and commitment to working in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is explicitly offered for this role, meaning foreign / overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are welcome to apply. This role is open to foreigners. If your immigration status is borderline or you have specific questions about the sponsorship process, it is advisable to contact the recruiting department directly for clarification before applying.