Essex Reconnect Trainee worker

THE FORWARD TRUST; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forward Trust is seeking a motivated RECONNECT Trainee to join the team supporting people as they prepare to leave prison and transition back into the community.

The role offers a Level 2 apprenticeship and a 12-18 month study period alongside practical work within the RECONNECT Service, including case management, referrals, and links to health and wellbeing services at HMP Chelmsford and in Essex.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting vulnerable adults through any channel (paid, volunteering, student placements).
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with others.
• Commitment to personal development and learning.
• Ability to receive and respond positively to feedback.
• Good IT skills and strong administrative abilities.

Responsibilities

• Process referrals and provide updates to referrers after assessment.
• Learn to complete comprehensive needs assessments for referrals.
• Maintain regular contact with service users for up to six months post-release.
• Support delivery of a holistic, safe service aligned to targets.
• Collaborate with colleagues and share best practice.

Skills

Communication skills

Compassionate approach

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Level 2 apprenticeship

Tools

MS Office

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Are you looking for an opportunity to start or develop your career in health, wellbeing, criminal justice or support services?

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate RECONNECT Trainee to join our team supporting people as they prepare to leave prison and transition back into the community.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience while working towards a Level 2 apprenticeship in a relevant qualification of your choosing. The apprenticeship will take approximately 12-18 months to complete alongside your role within the RECONNECT Team, giving you the opportunity to combine practical experience with structured learning and development.

As a RECONNECT Trainee, you will gain first-hand experience of the RECONNECT Service and work alongside experienced colleagues to provide a comprehensive, inclusive and personalised service to Forward Trust clients at HMP Chelmsford and those preparing for release into Essex.

RECONNECT supports people to access and sustain health and wellbeing services following release from prison. This can include support with substance use, physical and mental health, general wellbeing and connection to community services.

Working with each individual, the service identifies their needs through a comprehensive assessment and develops a bespoke care plan, with the person at the centre of their support. This may include mentor support, signposting, GP referrals, aftercare, Meet and Greet support and connections to the wider Forward community.

You will be supported to develop your skills and confidence while learning how to provide effective, person-centred support throughout the resettlement journey.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Processing referrals and providing updates to referrers following assessment.
• Learning to complete comprehensive needs assessments for suitable referrals.
• Maintaining regular contact with and supporting service users for up to six months following release, based on their identified health and wellbeing needs.
• Supporting the delivery of a holistic and safe service in line with individual and team targets.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, sharing best practice and contributing to effective risk assessment and management.
• Making referrals to the Forward Trust Meet and Greet service and supporting Meet at the Gate referrals where appropriate.
• Helping service users connect with relevant local health, wellbeing and community services before their release.
• Developing strong administration and case management skills, including maintaining clear and accurate case notes.
• Supporting the completion of assessments, care plans and risk assessments.
• Supporting the Team Leader with the recruitment and training of prison peer supporters, where appropriate.
• Developing your knowledge and understanding of the RECONNECT model, safeguarding, risk management and person-centred support.
• Completing your apprenticeship learning and applying your developing knowledge and skills within your role.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop a career in support work while making a meaningful difference to people during an important period of transition in their lives.

About You

We are looking for someone who is caring, motivated and keen to learn, with a genuine interest in supporting vulnerable adults and helping people successfully transition from prison into the community.

You do not need extensive experience in a similar role. Your experience of supporting vulnerable people could come from volunteering, student placements, education, community work or previous employment. Most importantly, you will have the right attitude, a willingness to learn and the ability to build positive and professional relationships with others.

You will be someone who responds positively to feedback, is committed to your own development and is able to work effectively as part of a supportive team.

You will also understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and treating everyone with dignity, respect and compassion.

We are looking for:

• Experience of supporting vulnerable adults, gained through employment, volunteering, student placements or other relevant experience.
• An aptitude and genuine interest in working with vulnerable clients.
• A willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Commitment to your own learning and personal development.
• The ability to receive and respond positively to feedback.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• The ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Good IT skills and strong administrative abilities.
• The ability to maintain accurate records and manage information effectively.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A compassionate, non-judgemental and person-centred approach.

This role is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining practical experience within the RECONNECT Service alongside completing a Level 2 apprenticeship.

You will receive support and guidance from experienced colleagues, develop transferable skills and gain valuable experience working with people with complex needs within a prison and community setting.

If you are enthusiastic about learning, passionate about helping others and want to build a career where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.