Reconnect Recovery Support Worker

Job overview

The core purpose of Reconnect is to identify people who are less likely to engage with health services, identify their needs well in advance of release and to offer them the level of support required to effectively ensure that they receive the help they need.

The role of the Reconnect support worker is to link in with referred service users whilst they are still in prison to co-produce a plan which meets their identified needs in the community and utilise engagement techniques upon release to support and encourage attendance and engagement at appointments.

Aims and objectives of the service are:

To increase access to and uptake of healthcare and relevant services for people leaving prison

To reduce health inequalities for prison populations

To ensure that the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison are met.

To ensure a safe transition from prison to community healthcare and support services in England and to provide ongoing support so that engagement is maintained.

To facilitate engagement and liaise with community healthcare and/or other services and enable delivery of a coordinated response

Main duties of the job

• To work independently under the guidance of the team leader; this post requires lone working.
• To maintain own case load being mindful of own capabilities and working within the scope of practice
• To work collaboratively with service users to identify onward community needs and referrals.
• To work within the prison to identify residents who meet the criteria for Reconnect.
• To provide direct support and advice to residents regarding services that can meet their health needs on release.
• To complete health needs summary information for sharing with the community reconnect providers
• To effectively manage and prioritize own day to day work schedule with support from the rest of the team.
• To proactively assist service users to engage in agreed plans of care in the community.
• To be confident in the use of IT including system one, Microsoft word/excel and PowerPoint.
• To take personal responsibility to keep knowledge up to date.
• To maintain records, collect statistical data and store information in accordance with GDPR, NHFT and the specific requirements of this post.
• To prepare and take part in supervision/ appraisals with senior practitioners.
• To participate in mandatory / relevant post specific training as required
• To demonstrate an awareness and understanding relevant to working in a secured environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Due to the nature of the geographical area covered, the post holder will require access to a vehicle and full driving licence. Please note:  Due to the nature of the role, offers of employment will be subject to additional vetting and security checks.

For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the ‘About You’ Section of the document.