At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals transitioning from prison to community with tailored care and guidance.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid role with ongoing training and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of the criminal justice system or health issues preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Reconnect Peer Support Worker in Essex. We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime and addiction to move forward and live fulfilling lives.
RECONNECT is a care after custody service that seeks to improve the continuity of care of people leaving prison or an immigration removal centre (IRC) with an identified health need. We operate a hybrid model of support where we work with individuals up to 12 weeks before their release and up to six months post-release in order to support the transition to community-based services, thereby safeguarding health gains made whilst in prison or an IRC.
Our East of England RECONNECT service is available for adults over the age of 18 with a designated healthcare need and who are due to be released from prison or an IRC in the next 12 weeks. We also accept referrals up to 28 days post release.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide a comprehensive, inclusive and bespoke RECONNECT service, including advice and guidance to Forward Trust clients across HMP Chelmsford and the wider community in Essex.
- Enable service users to access and sustain supportive interventions upon release from prison, whether that be substance use needs, physical health or mental health support, in addition to general well-being advice and guidance.
- Offer mentor link in, sign-posting, GP referrals, aftercare support and a connection to the wider Forward community.
- Identify the service users' health needs via a robust assessment with a bespoke care plan created with the client at the centre.
- Process referrals and provide updates to referrer on assessment outcome.
- Conduct in-depth needs assessment for all suitable referrals.
- Maintain contact and support to Service Users for up to 6 months post-release with health and wellbeing needs as identified during assessment.
- Manage a busy caseload of diverse service users, supporting them with the reintegration into society and to engage with local healthcare providers in the community.
- Support Team Leader with the recruitment and training of prison peer supporters.
- Maintain excellent partnerships with external agencies and key stakeholders.
- Demonstrate high level admin skills, including keeping clear and concise case notes as well as completing detailed assessments, care plans and risk assessments.
- Support with implementing and maintaining clear referral pathways for external agencies and stakeholders.
- Ensure that a holistic service is delivered safely to our clients in line with individual and team targets.
- Discuss and share best practice and fully engage with risk assessment processes to deliver a high-quality service safely.
- Make referrals to Forward Trust Meet and Greet service and support with Meet at the Gate releases as applicable.
- Ensure that service users are fully connected in with local services in preparation for release into the community.
This is a new position added to the RECONNECT contract to enhance the lived experience element of the service. This is a hybrid role which involves some remote working from home as well as from various locations such as HMP Chelmsford, Probation Offices & Drug & Alcohol Services. You will be working within an immediate Team across Essex but also with the wider EoE RECONNECT Staff. You will be reporting to your line manager and will also receive ongoing training including organisational and Prison training.
All prison-based roles will require enhanced DBS and HMPPS security vetting. Please note this process can take up to 3-6 weeks. All offers are subject to receiving both HMPPS vetting and DBS clearances.
The Ideal Candidate
- Caring, compassionate and passionate about supporting vulnerable people.
- Lived Experience of either the Criminal Justice System, Substance Use and/or Physical or Mental ill Health.
- Experience of carrying out comprehensive assessments and the design and implementation of SMART care plans.
- Experience of delivering structured interventions to service users.
- Use of motivational interviewing techniques in both 1:1 and group settings.
- Strong IT skills and Admin Skills to support project and caseload management.
- Flexibility to meet the needs of the service as it develops.
- Ability to represent The Forward Trust in a positive and professional manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and in a variety of formats.
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.
Benefits
- Flexible working
- 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 plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme with employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Diversity at Forward Trust
The Forward Trust commits to providing opportunities to everyone. We want to ensure we have a diverse team with a range of lived and professional experiences. This includes those with Lived Experience of addiction, offending, or homelessness. When we recruit, we welcome applications from everyone. This is inclusive of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity and socio-economic background. Where operationally possible, we will consider flexible working requests and make reasonable adjustments for all roles.
To find out more about Forwards commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy click here.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work
We recognise the importance of safeguarding; depending on the role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview. If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the Eligibility to Work in the UK requirements.
RECONNECT Peer Support Worker - Essex - Essex employer: The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful employment. Located in Medway and Gravesham, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, offering flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and professional development opportunities. Join us to lead a passionate team, make a real difference in the community, and enjoy generous benefits including annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and wellbeing days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RECONNECT Peer Support Worker - Essex - Essex
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Forward Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Forward Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Forward Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Forward Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace RECONNECT Peer Support Worker - Essex - Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Forward Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Forward Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
