Essex RECONNECT Peer Support Worker

The Forward Trust’s NHS-commissioned RECONNECT service supports people leaving prison to access and sustain the health, wellbeing and community services they need following release.

In line with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion framework, we actively value lived experience and are particularly keen to hear from people with relevant lived experience of physical or mental ill health, substance misuse and/or the criminal justice system.

As a RECONNECT Practitioner, you will provide a comprehensive, inclusive and personalised service to people at HMP Chelmsford and across the wider Essex community. You will work with individuals before release and for up to six months afterwards, helping them establish connections with appropriate health, wellbeing and community services.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a busy and varied caseload of people preparing for release from prison.
• Processing referrals and providing feedback to referrers following assessments.
• Completing comprehensive, person-centred health and wellbeing assessments.
• Working collaboratively with service users to develop individualised care and support plans.
• Identifying health, wellbeing and social needs and helping individuals access appropriate support.
• Providing ongoing support for up to six months post-release.
• Supporting people to successfully reintegrate into the community following release.
• Helping service users access and engage with GPs, mental health services, substance misuse services and other community healthcare providers.
• Making appropriate referrals and providing effective signposting to relevant services.
• Supporting individuals to connect with the wider Forward Trust community.
• Making referrals to the Forward Trust Meet and Greet service and supporting Meet at the Gate releases where appropriate.
• Ensuring service users are fully connected with local services before and following their release.
• Supporting the development and maintenance of effective referral pathways with internal and external services.
• Working closely with Offender Management in Custody, prison healthcare, families, self-referrals and external agencies.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with partner organisations and key stakeholders.
• Maintaining accurate, clear and concise case records, assessments, care plans and risk assessments.
• Identifying and managing risk appropriately, following safeguarding and organisational procedures.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share good practice and ensure a safe, high-quality service.
• Supporting the Team Leader and Peer Coordinator with the recruitment and training of prison peer supporters.
• Supporting the delivery of workshops and group programmes for Prison Peer Workers.
• Contributing to a holistic, inclusive and person-centred service that meets the needs of each individual.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who:

• Has relevant lived experience of physical or mental ill health, substance misuse and/or the criminal justice system, or has significant experience supporting people with these needs.
• Is passionate about helping people make positive changes and successfully transition from prison into the community.
• Can build trusting, respectful and professional relationships with people who may have complex or multiple needs.
• Has experience of completing assessments, identifying support needs and developing person-centred plans.
• Is confident managing a busy and diverse caseload.
• Has good knowledge of, or experience working with, health, wellbeing and community services.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, risk assessment and safe working practices.
• Can communicate effectively with service users, colleagues and external professionals.
• Is confident working collaboratively with multiple agencies and stakeholders.
• Has strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Can maintain accurate and detailed case notes and other relevant documentation.
• Is able to work independently while also contributing positively to a wider team.
• Is compassionate, non-judgemental and committed to treating every service user with dignity and respect.
• Understands and promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their work.
• Is flexible and able to respond to the changing needs of a busy service.
• Is committed to continuous learning, reflective practice and sharing good practice with colleagues.
• Is willing to support the development of prison peer workers through recruitment, training, workshops and group activities.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people at a crucial point in their lives. By supporting individuals before and after release, you will help them access healthcare, build stability and establish connections within their local community.

Your experience matters. Your voice matters. Your support can help someone take their next step towards a healthier and more positive future.

All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.

Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.

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