Early Intervention Practitioner – Weekends Only in Cardiff

Location: South Wales (to include Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend)

Salary: £13.86 - £14.99 per hour

Permanent, Part Time, 8 hours per week. Saturday and Sunday (7.00am-11.00am)

G4S in Wales are a key provider of criminal justice services, operating in both the custodial and community sectors. We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and we consistently seek to work alongside and in partnership with a range of other providers in the voluntary (third), public and private sectors.

We have developed services which are focused on identifying ways to maximise positive impact and make the most effective use of available resources by working with other agencies on common objectives. In this way we are increasingly able to meet wide ranging and complex needs in the most appropriate way.

We have a commitment to research, evaluation and review of evidence based initiatives. We value and, where possible, contribute to research into reducing re-offending and therefore we recognise the importance of understanding the wider environment in which individuals operate and this informs us about how best to engage, support and help people with change.

We seek to employ people with drive and energy and a real interest in innovation and teamwork – working beyond traditional organisational boundaries. We now have a number of opportunities for Early Intervention Practitioners to join our team by providing weekend cover.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the Canol substance misuse service within Police custody unit and local courts, providing early intervention support to people who find themselves in contact with Police. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in engaging people to access the support they need to build successful futures and healthy lifestyles, and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Support pathways include drugs and alcohol, mental health, domestic abuse, housing and employment, young people and women services.

You will work collaboratively with Police colleagues and courts to identify needs and advocate for access to the right support and intervention at the right time. Within custody you will offer initial engagement with individuals, working with them to identify their Substance Use needs and treatment options, and any wider crisis needs / longer term support requirements. You will work with the individual and Police colleagues to advocate for the most suitable options for the person. You will also provide harm reduction guidance, and offer opportunities to engage to promote positive changes to lifestyles.

You will work flexibly across the police custody suites, demonstrating good communication and organisational skills. Hours of work are weekends, Saturday and Sunday mornings, flexible across South Wales, cover is expected at least once a month. The primary base is local, but there may be occasions where cover is required across Swansea, Bridgend, Merthyr and Cardiff. Expenses are reimbursed for any additional travel.

This post is subject to satisfactory G4S company screening, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and enhanced Police vetting.

Key Responsibilities

• To promote positive, quick engagement with those in custody settings, enabling engagement at all times.
• To work with people in a person-centred way, exploring support needs with safety in mind and tailoring your approach to their engagement style, capability and personal characteristics.
• To support progression from drug related offending towards a cessation or reduction of illicit use and offending behaviour.
• To provide interventions focused on the ‘stability, change, resilience’ framework, and positive psychology.
• To swiftly identify people who may benefit from clinical treatment, support people’s access to rapid clinical services.
• To work collaboratively with other Criminal Justice (CJ) partners and non-CJ treatment agencies.
• To know of and refer to wider support providers where identified as a need.
• To ensure all information is accurately recorded on case management systems.
• To promptly update the Probation services with attendance and non-compliance of those on statutory orders.
• Promote and foster positive working relationships with Police, Court and Support colleagues.
• Ensure risk/safety information is communicated in a timely manner with all identified colleagues required.
• Carry out detailed assessments in a timely manner to inform court and custody outcomes.
• To provide reports to the Court and attend Court as required.
• To contribute to the continuous development of the service by attending regular team meetings, supervisions, partner meetings and contributing to the development of services with Dyfodol colleagues.