RECONNECT Worker- Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes - Bedfordshire

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and proactive RECONNECT Support Worker to join our team and provide a comprehensive, inclusive and bespoke service to Forward Trust clients preparing to leave prison. RECONNECT supports people leaving prison to access and sustain the support they need in the community, including physical and mental health, wellbeing and practical support.

Working with clients from around 12 weeks prior to release and for up to six months post-release, you will complete a thorough assessment of their needs and work alongside them to develop a personalised support plan. You will build strong relationships with clients and partner agencies, helping people successfully transition back into the community and connect with the services and support available to them.

What you will be doing:

• Processing referrals and providing feedback to referrers following assessment.
• Conducting in-depth, holistic needs assessments for suitable referrals.
• Maintaining regular contact with and providing support to service users before release and for up to six months following release.
• Working collaboratively with service users to develop bespoke, person-centred support plans.
• Supporting clients to access and engage with local community services.
• Making appropriate referrals, including GP, healthcare, mental health, wellbeing and aftercare services.
• Providing effective signposting and helping clients establish links with relevant support networks.
• Supporting service users to connect with mentors and the wider Forward Trust community.
• Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with external agencies and key stakeholders.
• Working closely with Offender Management, prison teams, healthcare services, families and other referral pathways.
• Ensuring a clear and effective referral pathway is maintained throughout the service.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share knowledge, best practice and provide a high-quality service.
• Participating fully in risk assessment and safeguarding processes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users.
• Ensuring that support is delivered safely, effectively and in line with individual and team targets.
• Helping service users to feel prepared, supported and connected as they transition from prison into the community.

What we are looking for:

• Has a full UK driving licence and access to their own vehicle - this is essential.
• Is passionate about supporting people to make positive changes in their lives.
• Takes a person-centred, inclusive and non-judgemental approach.
• Has experience of working with people who may have complex needs or require additional support.
• Can build positive and trusting relationships with service users.
• Is confident carrying out assessments, identifying needs and developing appropriate support plans.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can work effectively with a wide range of agencies, professionals and stakeholders.
• Is organised and able to manage a caseload effectively.
• Understands the importance of risk assessment, safeguarding and safe working practices.
• Is able to work independently while also being a strong team player.
• Can identify appropriate services and confidently make referrals and signpost clients to support.
• Is committed to promoting equality, inclusion, dignity and respect.
• Has a flexible and proactive approach and is able to respond to the changing needs of service users.
• Is committed to helping people successfully transition from prison back into the community.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives. You will play a key role in helping individuals prepare for release, overcome barriers and establish the health, wellbeing and community support they need to build a more positive future.

All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks. Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.

About Us:

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important.

Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:

• Flexible working
• Support for Families
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave