Reconnect Recovery Support Worker

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 (where possible) 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
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., · 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., Applications will be transferred to the TRAC system, by completing an application you are giving authorisation for the transfer of your data. In submitting an application form, you authorise us to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process. Including factual reference, occupational health clearance and statutory and mandatory training records
Correspondence regarding your application will be sent to you via a TRAC system account.
Please submit your application as soon as possible; due to the high volumes of applications we receive we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications.
We are an equal opportunities employer, which aims to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
At NHFT we support many of our colleagues to work flexibly and we will consider requests for flexible working from day one. For this role, we are open to discussing a range of options including flexible hours, agile/home working, compressed hours and part time hours. Please have a conversation with the recruiting manager about the flexibility you need and we will promise to explore what is possible with you.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
All posts that are engaged in a regulated activity will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a DBS re-check on a three yearly basis whilst employed in such a role. Staff employed in these posts will therefore be asked to register with the DBS Automatic Update Service upon receipt of their DBS certificate and must update yearly , the annual fee will be reimbursed subject to Trust policy. For further information please visit: DBS Update Service: applicant guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please note if a DBS is applicable for the position then a charge will be deducted from your first salary or upfront cost if a staff bank position.
Please note that all new starters to the trust are subject to a probationary period.

NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in both hospital settings and out in the community. Because we put the person at the centre of all we do, we focus on delivering care that is as easy to access as possible. This means many of our services can be provided at home, work or in schools. We also provide health services to various prisons and detention centres in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
NHFT promotes a culture of learning to improve the care and safety of our patients and staff, which focuses on people who enable our Trust to be 'outstanding' by supporting opportunity, innovation, development and growth.