Overview:Are you looking to earn while you learn?Do you want to help vulnerable people get their health needs met on release from custody? Maybe this role is just what you are looking for! We are The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky), 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. In 2020 Forward Trust introduced an exciting addition to the services provided to include IAPT mental health services, as recognition of dual diagnosis in our client group and to support those with low level mental health issues access support to achieve change. Forward Trust have been given an opportunity to deliver NHS RECONNECT services across the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. What is RECONNECT?RECONNECT aims to address the health inequalities experienced by those released from prison. The service starts working with people before they leave prison, where they will have access to a RECONNECT worker, who helps them to make the transition to community-based services that will provide the health and care support that they need. The RECONNECT service was first announced in the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) and is the biggest new investment in Health and Justice services for the past six years. The RECONNECT ambition is to support more people leaving prison to make the transition to community based services, ensuring that they continue to receive the care and support they need. What you will be doing?:In line with Forward Trust Equality, Diversity and Inclusion framework, this NHS commissioned RECONNECT service takes pride in recruiting those with lived experience be that of physical or mental ill health, substance misuse or the criminal justice system. The successful candidate will enrol onto an apprenticeship relevant to the role and that they are passionate about. You will support your colleagues providing a comprehensive, inclusive and bespoke RECONNECT service, including advice and guidance to Forward Trust clients across the following prisons: HMP Highpoint, Warren Hill and Hollesley Bay who need further support upon release.RECONNECT enables service users to access and sustain supportive interventions upon release from prison, whether that be physical or mental health in addition to general well-being support. The service will offer mentor link in, sign-posting, GP referrals, aftercare support and a connection to the wider Forward community. Following a referral 12-weeks prior to release, the service is to identify the service User’s needs via a robust assessment and then working in partnership with many agencies a bespoke care plan is created with the client at the centre. Some of the Key duties of the role are as follows:Process referrals and provide updates to referrer on assessment outcomeLearn to conduct in-depth needs assessment for all suitable referralsBe supported to maintain contact and support Service Users as identified in assessment in preparation for and for 6 months post release.Ensure that a holistic service is delivered safely to our clients in line with individual and team targets.Working closely with your colleagues you will discuss and share best practice and fully engage with risk assessment processes to deliver a high quality service safely.To make referrals to Forward Trust Meet and Greet serviceEnsuring that service users are fully connected with local services in preparation for release into the community.What we are looking for?:Experience of supporting vulnerable adults (this may come from volunteering, student work placements or previous employment)Aptitude for working with vulnerable clientsAbility to receive feedbackCommitment to own learning and personal developmentAbility and willingness to learnAbility to work as part of a teamAn ability to set and maintain professional boundariesWhat we offer:Alongside Simply Health coverage, and a contributory pension scheme to assist employees with their general health and well-being. We offer: Training opportunities and career developmentSeason Ticket Loan SchemeCycle to work scheme25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank HolidaysContributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafterDeath in Service Payment (2x annual salary)Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)Person specification:Suffolk RECONNECT Trainee Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.