Reconnect Practitioner

Job overview

This role requires supporting people primarily in the area of East Lancashire, though will require cover across other areas of Lancashire as required by service need.

The post holder will work within the ReConnect Care after Custody for Lancashire & Cumbria, covering 6 prisons & the wider community of Lancashire & Cumbria.

Reconnect is a triage, assessment, referral & support service and starts working with people before they leave prison, where they will have access to Reconnect practitioners, engagement practitioners & Peer Support Workers, helping them to make the transition to community-based services. It is offered to people in prison up to 12 weeks prior to release, & up to 6 months support post release.

Main duties of the job

Reconnect will create an effective link between prison & community in order to:

• increase access & uptake up of healthcare or relevant support services for vulnerable individuals who would otherwise struggle to engage
• reduce health inequalities for prison leavers
• ensure the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison are met
• ensure a safe transition from prison to community-based healthcare & support services & to provide follow-up to ensure engagement is maintained.

The Reconnect Practitioner role will identify and respond to requests to screen and assess people with vulnerabilities for persons who are approaching release from Her Majesty’s Prisons and subsequently provide support within the community upon their release from prison. Referrals will be identified and received where there have been concerns that an individual has mental health issues, learning disability, substance misuse, social care, safeguarding or other vulnerabilities.

Assessment will consider the emotional wellbeing, cultural and gender needs, age and development related needs, including transition to adulthood and older person needs, social circumstances (including, relationships, leisure requirements, daily living, educational and occupational needs, employment/vocational needs, housing, finance) of those referred to ReConnect.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Vetting and Clearances:

• LSCFT staff entering the prison or probation estate will be subject to HMPPS security vetting carried out by National Offender Management Service and will be required to undergo Enhanced Level 1 vetting.
• The post holder is also expected to be have Enhanced DBS status.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.