Overview:
Are you looking to earn while you learn? Do you want to help vulnerable people meet their health needs upon release from custody? If so, this role might be perfect for you!
We are The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky), a social enterprise with charitable status that empowers individuals to break the cycles of crime and addiction and move forward with their lives. For over 25 years, we have supported thousands of people in building positive lives, including employment, family, and community connections. In 2020, we expanded our services to include IAPT mental health support, recognizing dual diagnoses in our client group.
Our latest initiative, NHS RECONNECT, aims to address health inequalities faced by individuals released from prison. The service begins working with clients before release, providing support to transition to community-based health and care services. This program is a significant investment in health and justice services, supporting more individuals to continue receiving necessary care after release.
What you will be doing:
Aligned with Forward Trust’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we prioritize recruiting candidates with lived experience of physical or mental health issues, substance misuse, or involvement with the criminal justice system. The successful candidate will enroll in an apprenticeship relevant to the role and aligned with their passions.
You will support colleagues in delivering a comprehensive, inclusive, and tailored RECONNECT service, including providing advice and guidance to clients across prisons such as HMP Highpoint, Warren Hill, and Hollesley Bay, especially those needing additional support upon release.
The service facilitates access to and maintenance of support interventions related to physical and mental health, wellbeing, GP referrals, aftercare, and community connection. Starting 12 weeks prior to release, the service assesses clients’ needs and collaborates with various agencies to develop personalized care plans centered on the client.
Key duties include:
1. Processing referrals and updating referrers on assessment outcomes
2. Learning to conduct in-depth needs assessments for suitable referrals
3. Supporting clients to maintain contact and assistance during the 6 months post-release
4. Delivering holistic services safely, meeting individual and team targets
5. Collaborating with colleagues to share best practices and engage in risk assessments
6. Referring clients to Forward Trust’s Meet and Greet service
7. Ensuring clients are connected with local services in preparation for community release
What we are looking for:
* Experience supporting vulnerable adults, from volunteering, placements, or employment
* Aptitude for working with vulnerable clients
* Receptiveness to feedback
* Commitment to learning and personal development
* Willingness to learn and grow
* Ability to work collaboratively in a team
* Professional boundaries awareness
What we offer:
In addition to Simply Health coverage and a contributory pension scheme, we provide:
* Training and career development opportunities
* Season Ticket Loan Scheme
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 with service, plus Bank Holidays
* Employer-matched pension contributions of up to 6% (first two years), increasing to 9%
* Death in Service Payment (2x salary)
* Critical Illness Insurance (subject to criteria)
Person specification:
Suffolk RECONNECT Trainee
Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
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