Essex RECONNECT Trainee

We are The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky), 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. In 2020 Forward Trust introduced an exciting addition to the services provided to include IAPT mental health services, as recognition of dual diagnosis in our client group and to support those with low level mental health issues access support to achieve change. Following this in 2021, Forward Trust have been given an opportunity to deliver NHS RECONNECT services across the Norfolk & Suffolk prison estate.

What is RECONNECT?

RECONNECT aims to address the health inequalities experienced by those released from prison. The service starts working with people before they leave prison, where they will have access to a RECONNECT worker, who helps them to make the transition to community-based services that will provide the health and care support that they need. The RECONNECT service was first announced in the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) and is the biggest new investment in Health and Justice services for the past six years. The RECONNECT ambition is to support more people leaving prison to make the transition to community based services, ensuring that they continue to receive the care and support they need. 

In line with Forward Trust Equality, Diversity and Inclusion framework, this NHS commissioned RECONNECT service takes pride in recruiting those with lived experience be that of physical or mental ill health, substance misuse or the criminal justice system. The successful candidate will enrol onto a 12-18 month Adult Care Worker Level 2 apprenticeship. MAR0021-v7-Adult-Care-Worker-Lv2.pdf (qube-learning.co.uk) Adult Care Workers are the frontline staff who help adults with care and support needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible, enabling them to have control and choice in their lives.

You will support your colleagues providing a comprehensive, inclusive and bespoke RECONNECT service, including advice and guidance to Forward Trust clients across the following prisons:  HMP Highpoint, Warren Hill and Hollesley Bay who need further support upon release.

RECONNECT enables service users to access and sustain supportive interventions upon release from prison, whether that be physical or mental health in addition to general well-being support. The service will offer mentor link in, sign-posting, GP referrals, aftercare support and a connection to the wider Forward community. Following a referral 12-weeks prior to release, the service is to identify the service User’s needs via a robust assessment and then working in partnership with many agencies   a bespoke care plan is created with the client at the centre.

Some of the Key duties of the role are as follows:

• Process referrals and provide updates to referrer on assessment outcome
• Learn to conduct in-depth needs assessment for all suitable referrals
• Be supported to maintain contact and support Service Users as identified in assessment in preparation for and for 6 months post release.
• Ensure that a holistic service is delivered safely to our clients in line with individual and team targets.
• Working closely with your colleagues you will discuss and share best practice and fully engage with risk assessment processes to deliver a high quality service safely.
• To make referrals to Forward Trust Meet and Greet service
• Ensuring that service users are fully connected with local services in preparation for release into the community.

• Aptitude for working with vulnerable clients
• Ability to receive feedback
• Commitment to own learning and personal development
• Ability and willingness to learn
• Ability to work as part of a team
• An ability to set and maintain professional boundaries

Alongside Simply Health coverage, and a contributory pension scheme to assist employees with their general health and well-being. We offer:

• Training opportunities and career development
• Flexible working
• 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
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme – 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)

Essex RECONNECT Trainee JD