Support Time Recovery Worker - Reconnect Service

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a full-time Support Time Recovery Worker to assist individuals recently released from prison, focusing on their mental health needs. The role requires supporting clients in accessing various services and maintaining effective relationships with partner agencies. Candidates should hold a relevant NVQ level 3 qualification and have experience working with vulnerable populations. A valid UK driving licence is required as the role will involve travel across Dorset.

Benefits

Support for professional development

An inclusive workplace

Dynamic team environment

Responsibilities

• Support individuals released from prison with mental health needs.
• Work closely with partner agencies to facilitate access to various services.
• Manage individual caseloads autonomously.

Skills

Experience of working with a vulnerable client group

Experience of supporting people with mental health problems

Experience of working with people who have been in the criminal justice system

Ability to work autonomously

Education

NVQ level 3 in health or social care

Job description

Support Time Recovery Worker - Reconnect Service

The closing date is 18 January 2026

Do you have experience supporting people in the community? Are you looking for something new, interesting and stimulating which offers the opportunity to use and enhance your experience? If so, the Reconnect Service is recruiting a full time Support Time Recovery Worker to support people being released from prison.

Working alongside Mental Health Practitioners, Support Time and Recovery (STR) workers work with individuals providing support with any practical concerns or difficulties that might be affecting their mental health and wellbeing. STR workers provide 1:1 support to clients for up to 6 months, giving information and/or support to allow them to access a wide range of agencies and services that can provide help and advice with for example, housing, social isolation and exclusion, education, debt management, employment and substance use issues.

Applications from candidates that require Sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Main duties of the job

You will be working with adults with a complex range of physical and mental health needs and other vulnerabilities who have recently been released from prison. A key function in the role will be to work in close liaison with and build links between partner agencies and supporting effective enablement for them.

The Service operates across the whole of Dorset and the successful applicant is required to hold a full and valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes. As far as is practical your base and the geographical area you cover will be tailored to your location, although there will be times you will be required provide cover across the whole of the county.

This role requires the post holder to have passed the prison vetting process and we highly recommend you contact the service before applying to discuss the job further.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Training

• A good standard of education, NVQ level 3 in health or social care
• Experience of working with a vulnerable client group
• Experience of working with people who have been in the criminal justice system

Job Specific Experience

• Experience of supporting people with mental health problems
• Experience of working autonomously and managing individual caseload

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust