Job summary The post holder will work within the ReConnect Care after Custody for Lancashire & Cumbria, covering 6 prisons & also the wider community of Lancashire & Cumbria. Reconnect is a triage, assessment, referral & support service and starts working with people before they leave prison, where they will have access to Reconnect practitioners, engagement practitioners & Peer Support Workers, helping them to make the transition to community-based services. It is offered to people in prison up to 12 weeks prior to release, & up to 6 months support post release. Reconnect will create an effective link between prison & community in order to: increase access & uptake up of healthcare or relevant support services for vulnerable individuals who would otherwise struggle to engage reduce health inequalities for prison leavers ensure the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison are met ensure a safe transition from prison to community-based healthcare & support services & to provide follow-up to ensure engagement is maintained. Main duties of the job The Reconnect Practitioner role will identify and respond to requests to screen and assess people with vulnerabilities for persons who are approaching release from Her Majesty's Prisons and subsequently provide support within the community upon their release from prison. Referrals will be identified and received where there have been concerns that an individual has mental health issues, learning disability, substance misuse, social care, safeguarding or other vulnerabilities. Assessment will consider the emotional wellbeing, cultural and gender needs, age and development related needs, including transition to adulthood and older person needs, social circumstances (including, relationships, leisure requirements, daily living, educational and occupational needs, employment/vocational needs, housing, finance) of those referred to ReConnect. Vetting and Clearances: LSCFT staff entering the prison estate will be subject to HMP security vetting carried out by National Offender Management Service and will be required to undergo Enhanced Level 1 vetting. The post holder is also expected to be have Enhanced DBS status. For further information or an informal discussion about the post please contact Alison Foreman (Clinical Lead) on 07507846008 About us Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care. The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area. Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview. For more information please visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT. Date posted 17 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 9 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 351-SPS1391-MF Job locations ReConnect - to be confirmed Preston PR2 9HT Job description Job responsibilities For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification. Job description Job responsibilities For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice Knowledge Essential Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability Knowledge of Criminal Justice System, including roles and responsibilities of staff working in it Knowledge of use and interpretation of health screening tools Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk - including risk of harm to self and others Knowledge of relevant law, as a minimum; Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE code C. Experience Essential Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification Initial Assessment of Health and Social Needs Assessment of Risk of Service Users to self and others Timely and accurate documentation on electronic records Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice Knowledge Essential Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability Knowledge of Criminal Justice System, including roles and responsibilities of staff working in it Knowledge of use and interpretation of health screening tools Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk - including risk of harm to self and others Knowledge of relevant law, as a minimum; Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE code C. Experience Essential Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification Initial Assessment of Health and Social Needs Assessment of Risk of Service Users to self and others Timely and accurate documentation on electronic records Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Address ReConnect - to be confirmed Preston PR2 9HT Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)