Reconnect Trainee worker

The Forward Trust; Herongate; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Training and development opportunities

Season Ticket Loan Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Simply Health Cashback Scheme (option)

Job summary

The Forward Trust is seeking a RECONNECT Trainee to support people preparing to leave prison and transition back into the community. You will work at HMP Chelmsford and Essex, gaining a Level 2 apprenticeship over 12–18 months while contributing to tailored care plans and signposting to health, wellbeing and community services.

This apprenticeship offers practical experience, supervision from experienced colleagues, and opportunities to develop case management and admin skills in a supportive

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting vulnerable adults or similar setting is desirable.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and maintain professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Process referrals and provide updates to referrers after assessment.
• Maintain regular contact with service users for up to six months after release.
• Support delivery of a holistic, safe service aligned with targets.
• Develop administration and case notes and referrals to Meet and Greet.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Organisational skills

IT skills

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reconnect Trainee worker Location: Chelmsford Salary: £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

• 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.

Requirements

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. 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.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, 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. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits

Benefits

• Flexible working
• Support for Families
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.