Health Care Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a Healthcare Assistant based at HMP Send and HMP Coldingley. Here at Forward Trust, we deliver a complex range of drug and alcohol services in the unique prison environment. Our support includes providing advice, health and wellbeing, motivational work, clinical services, and a wider range of group work and treatment programmes. The Forward Trust services which are delivered within prison settings are commissioned by NHS England and are delivered in partnership with primary healthcare providers and HMPPS. Integration and partnership are integral to the work we do. We believe that everyone can live a fulfilling life, whatever their past. Our work in prisons aims to support those affected by drug or alcohol issues to create lasting change and reduce dependency, homelessness, unemployment, and re‑offending.

Responsibilities:

• To provide interventions and support for drug and alcohol users with complex needs as part of their recovery plan. This may include triage, clinical and psychosocial assessments, care planning, 2nd checking of controlled drugs, motivational interviewing, clinical reviews, 1:1 and group work sessions.
• To provide and develop in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team and other relevant agencies a service for clients, that takes into account the individuals physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.
• To participate in effective assessment of clinical needs, providing a high standard of care to clients in keeping with the philosophy and operational policies of the Prison, in addition to The Forward Trust policies and procedures.
• Ensure clinical records on System 1 are kept up to date and accurate.
• To complete and maintain clinical and psychosocial recovery care plans and assessments to the required standard.
• To liaise effectively with other professionals both internal and external to the prison; including community drug agencies.
• Promote the health and well‑being of clients and maintain a safe, caring and therapeutic environment ensuring risks are minimised.
• To ensure groups are facilitated and co‑facilitated to the standard required by your line managers.
• To help develop, implement and evaluate the care clients require using a problem‑solving approach, that ensures their needs are met from admission to release; including through‑care and transfers to other establishments.
• To meet required KPI’s to corresponding deadlines, as set out by the Manager.

All prison‑based roles will require enhanced DBS and HMPPS security vetting. Please note this process can take up to 8‑12 weeks. All offers are subject to receiving both HMPPS vetting and DBS clearances. Experience of working within substance misuse services and experience of carrying out comprehensive assessments and the design and implementation of SMART care plans. Strong IT skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, together with good time management and organisational skills, strong communication skills and the flexibility to travel to other sites when required. Full training will be provided for the right candidate, the role may suit a post‑grad student or someone who is looking for a new challenge and who is passionate, enthusiastic and willing to learn and work as part of a team and make a difference.