Job Description:

RECONNECT Peer worker - Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes

Location: Bedfordshire

Salary:  £26,000 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent

Are you passionate about supporting people to make positive changes and build a healthier, more stable future?

Do you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, substance misuse, physical or mental health, or other relevant life experiences?

The Forward Trust is looking for a compassionate, motivated and resilient RECONNECT Support Worker to join our NHS-commissioned service supporting people before and after release from prison.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your skills, experience and understanding to help people navigate the challenges of returning to the community and connect with the support they need.

About RECONNECT

RECONNECT is designed to help people leaving prison access and maintain the health, wellbeing and community support they need.

You will work with people across HMP Bedford, HMP Woodhill, Yarl's Wood IRC and the wider Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire community.

What You'll Be Doing

As a RECONNECT Support Worker, you will:

• Manage referrals and carry out comprehensive health and wellbeing assessments.
• Work with each person to develop an individualised care and support plan.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with service users and provide ongoing support.
• Manage a busy and varied caseload.
• Help people prepare for release and successfully reintegrate into the community.
• Support service users to access GPs, healthcare providers and other community services.
• Provide practical advice, guidance and signposting based on individual needs.
• Maintain regular contact with service users for up to six months following release.
• Ensure people are connected with appropriate services before they leave prison.
• Work closely with colleagues to share best practice and ensure risks are identified and managed appropriately.
• Contribute to delivering a safe, effective and person-centred service.

What We're Looking For

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about people and wants to make a difference.

You will ideally have:

• Relevant lived experience of the criminal justice system, substance misuse, physical or mental health, or other relevant experiences.
• A non-judgemental and compassionate approach.
• The ability to build trust and positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• The ability to support people who may have complex or multiple needs.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload.
• Strong administrative skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to complete clear and accurate case notes, assessments and support plans.

At The Forward Trust, we recognise the unique value that lived experience can bring to our services.

We actively encourage applications from people who have experience of the criminal justice system, substance misuse, physical or mental health challenges, or other relevant life experiences.

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.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

Flexible working

Support for Families – We support our employees through every stage of family life by offering enhanced maternity and paternity pay for eligible employees who have completed 26 weeks' continuous service, alongside family-friendly policies and a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Training and development opportunities

Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)

Season Ticket Loan Scheme 

Cycle to work scheme

Crisis Loan Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)

Access to Blue Light Card

25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 

Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 

Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 

Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

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

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.