Band 3 Recovery Support Worker - HMP Eastwood Park - Reconnect

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to join their Reconnect Service at HMP Eastwood Park. This role is ideal for those passionate about aiding vulnerable women in their transition from prison to the community. As a Support Worker, you will provide essential support in accessing healthcare services, benefit claims, and employment opportunities. With a commitment to recovery-focused care, you will work within an integrated team, benefiting from substantial training and professional development opportunities. If you are resilient and empathetic, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Leave Entitlements

In-house Training Opportunities

Access to Academic Courses

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly in healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of community services and support systems.

Responsibilities

• Support vulnerable women in planning for their release from prison.
• Assist with accessing healthcare services and community opportunities.

Skills

Communication Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Flexibility

Education

Relevant Health or Social Care Qualification

Job description

Job overview

The Reconnect Service at HMP Eastwood Park seeks to employ a Band 3 Support Worker based within the prison, who will participate in meeting with vulnerable women accommodated by the prison, to support them in planning for their release, with a view to giving the woman the best possible chance of a seamless transition on her release.

The post holder will have a passion for working with people from a variety of chaotic and disenfranchised backgrounds, supporting offenders with healthcare vulnerabilities to access relevant services promptly on release. For example: GP registration, attendance at probation appointments where indicated, support to reinstate benefit claims, help to identify community employment/training opportunities, etc.

If you are a resilient, compassionate support worker who displays good empathy and the ability to work flexibly in a challenging environment, this post may be suitable for you.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills who is committed to providing a recovery-focused model of care.

This role may be of particular interest if you have previous knowledge, skills, and experience working with difficult-to-reach groups.
The successful candidate will be required to obtain prison security clearance, DBS, and reference checks.

Main duties of the job

At Eastwood Park Prison, we work as an integrated team. The consortium includes AWP, PPG, Nelson's Trust, and other external providers.

This role is suitable for entry-level applicants interested in working in a prison environment. Substantial training and support will be provided both internally and externally.

The successful applicant will collaborate with colleagues from Nelson's Trust to provide the Reconnect Service.

The prison houses up to 442 women and offers various services, including a specialist unit for substance misuse, a Drug Recovery Community, a mother and baby unit, mental health services, a healthcare clinic, and a specialist therapies unit. This role offers a valuable opportunity to learn about statutory and voluntary sector services, as the post holder will liaise with a wide range of external and internal agencies.

Staff are offered a wide range of in-house prison and health training opportunities, as well as access to academic courses affiliated with the University of the West of England via the AWP learning and development department, some leading to professional qualifications in Nursing and other allied health roles. Additionally, the position offers long-term benefits such as pension and leave entitlements within the NHS.