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- Tasks: Support individuals reintegrating into the community with personalised care and guidance.
- Company: Join Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Use your lived experience to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of health challenges and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team committed to positive change.
The predicted salary is between 19400 - 27400 £ per year.
Do you have lived experience of physical or mental ill health, substance use, or the criminal justice system? Are you ready to use that experience to support others as they prepare to return to the community? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
As part of our NHS-commissioned RECONNECT service, Forward Trust proudly recruits people with lived experience. Your insight, empathy and understanding are key to helping individuals reintegrate safely, confidently and with the right support in place.
About the Role
As a RECONNECT Peer Support Worker, you’ll provide personalised, inclusive support to individuals across HMP Norwich, HMP Wayland, HMP Bure, and the wider Norfolk community, with some remote working. From identifying health and wellbeing needs 12 weeks pre-release to offering ongoing support up to six months post-release, you’ll be a vital link between prison and community services.
Key Responsibilities
- Process referrals, complete needs assessments and co-create tailored care plans
- Provide ongoing pre- and post-release support (up to 6 months) around health, wellbeing and reintegration
- Manage a diverse caseload and help individuals connect with community healthcare and support services
- Assist with the recruitment and training of prison peer supporters
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with external agencies and stakeholders
- Keep clear, accurate case notes, assessments, care plans and risk documentation
- Support effective referral pathways across prison, healthcare and community services
- Contribute to team discussions, best-practice sharing and risk management
- Make referrals to the Meet & Greet service and support Meet at the Gate releases
- Ensure service users are fully linked with local services ahead of release
What You’ll Bring
- Your lived experience and the ability to use it positively to support others
- A compassionate, non-judgemental approach and strong communication skills
- The ability to manage a caseload and build effective relationships
- A commitment to delivering safe, holistic and inclusive support
If you’re motivated, supportive and passionate about making a real difference, we’d love to welcome you to Forward Trust as part of the RECONNECT team.
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
- 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
RECONNECT peer support worker- Norfolk - Norfolk employer: The Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
The Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RECONNECT peer support worker- Norfolk - Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with others who share your passion for supporting individuals reintegrating into the community. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or colleagues, be ready to share your story and how your lived experience makes you a perfect fit for roles like the RECONNECT Peer Support Worker. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from volunteering! Getting involved with local charities or organisations that align with your values can help you gain relevant experience and make connections that could lead to job opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to give back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Make sure to check out the latest openings and submit your application directly. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace RECONNECT peer support worker- Norfolk - Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Lived Experience: Make sure to highlight your lived experience in your application. We want to see how your personal journey has shaped your understanding and empathy, as this is key to supporting others effectively.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the RECONNECT role. We love seeing candidates who really get what we’re about.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Know Your Story
Make sure you can articulate your lived experience clearly and how it relates to the role. Think about specific examples where your experiences have shaped your understanding of the challenges faced by others, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with The Forward Trust and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and show that you’re a good fit for their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to peer support. Think through potential scenarios and how you would apply your skills and experiences to provide effective support to individuals reintegrating into the community.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a peer support worker, strong communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you build relationships and maintain clear, accurate documentation. Use examples from your past to illustrate your ability to connect with diverse individuals and work collaboratively with external agencies.