Engagement Worker

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an Engagement Worker to join our Offender Personality Disorder Housing Accommodation Support Service (OPD HASS) to support high-risk individuals in the criminal justice system who are likely to meet the criteria for a personality disorder. You will assist adult males who have recently been released from prison, secure health settings, or are transitioning from Approved Premises. Your role will involve supporting all aspects of key engagement activities, aiding their rehabilitation, reablement, and reintegration into society by providing pathways, support, and appropriate interventions. HASS is dedicated to improving public protection, psychological health, wellbeing, pro-social behaviour, and relational outcomes. Our mission is to enhance the competence, confidence, and attitudes of staff working with individuals likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for 'personality disorder'.

You will join a dynamic and collaborative team committed to making a positive impact on our residents' lives. Our team values open communication, mutual support, and continuous professional development. Each team member plays a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for both staff and residents.

Key Responsibilities: Resident Induction and Support: o Support residents' induction to HASS, including practical assistance with setting up finances and orienting themselves to the local area. o Provide residents with a copy of the house rules and ensure they understand them. Review Meetings: o Arrange placement review meetings at least every 3 months and invite relevant stakeholders. o Inform residents about meeting dates in advance and encourage them to attend the second half to collaboratively contribute to their own plans. Key Working Sessions: o Provide a weekly 1:1 key working session for each HASS resident. If unavailable, ensure the co-keyworker facilitates this. Activity Involvement: o Ensure residents are aware of in-house activities and encourage their involvement to foster community integration and pro-social living. Communication and Feedback: o Provide regular feedback and updates to the Community Probation Practitioner. This will be daily for the first month of the individual's tenancy, reducing to weekly if there are no concerns. Discharge Planning: o Arrange a discharge review meeting once suitable move-on accommodation has been identified. o Discuss the need for follow-up outreach support from HASS for 3 months post-move with the resident and Community Probation Practitioner. Service-Specific Outcomes: • Improved outcomes for individuals transitioning into independent accommodation from prison, secure hospital, or Approved Premises (APs). • Sustained movement to fully independent, pro-social living. • Enhanced quality of relationships and relationship skills. • Establishment of pro-social living and community integration. • Improvement of life skills to facilitate independent living. • Maintained and supported reductions in the risk of self-harm and risk to others. • Provision of targeted support for individuals with complex needs and risk-related behaviours requiring multi-agency intervention. • Prevention and effective management of any periods of crisis, regression, or breakdown of housing arrangements.

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week - Rota including shifts between 7.5 - 12.5 hours per shift

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who is driven to provide high quality care and support to others. You will be an effective team player who can communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds with respect of equality, diversity and inclusion. You will be compassionate, supportive, and empowering to others, whilst able to form effective, positive, and motivational relationships.

What we are looking for:

• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Understanding and practical application of key legislation regarding social care housing, criminal justice and mental health

What we would like, but not essential:

• Understanding and/or practical application of key legislation regarding social care, housing, criminal justice, and mental health
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Experience managing a hub or community advice/guidance service

Further details of the responsibilities and key criteria can be found in the JDPS attached.

Benefits, including Non-Contractual Perks