Reconnect Trainee worker

TipTopJob; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Forward Trust in Chelmsford is seeking a motivated RECONNECT Trainee to support people preparing to leave prison and reintegrate into the community. The role offers hands-on experience while pursuing a Level 2 apprenticeship over 12 to 18 months within the RECONNECT Team.

You will gain firsthand exposure to the RECONNECT Service at HMP Chelmsford and in Essex, delivering person-centred support, assessments, and referrals to health, wellbeing and community services during the resettlement journey.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting vulnerable adults
• Aptitude and genuine interest in working with vulnerable clients
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Commitment to your own learning and personal development
• Ability to receive and respond positively to feedback
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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 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

Job description

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: A GBP 23,200 per annum

Vacancy Type: Apprenticeship 12:18 months

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.

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.

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