Prison Link Worker - London Prisons

Are you passionate about helping people navigate life after prison?

The Forward Trust is looking for a dedicated Prison Link Worker to support men leaving custody at HMP Thameside, HMP Belmarsh, and HMP Isis, working full-time, 35 hours per week.

You’ll work onsite in the prisons and in the community, guiding clients from pre-release to successful reintegration, ensuring continuity of care and helping them stay engaged with treatment and support services.

What you’ll do:

• Build strong relationships with clients before release and “handhold” them through the first 24 hours in the community.
• Deliver 1:1 support, group work, and practical assistance to help clients stay engaged with treatment and support services.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop SMART action plans for each client.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams in prison and community settings to ensure smooth transitions.
• Provide meet and greet support and accompany clients to appointments.
• Promote harm reduction, overdose awareness, and recovery education.
• Maintain accurate records in electronic case management systems and ensure reporting meets compliance standards.

You’ll need:

• Confidence working autonomously in prison environments as the sole representative of the service.
• Strong understanding of barriers to care and strategies to improve continuity.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with clients and partner agencies.
• Flexibility to work across pan-London prisons as needed.
• Full eligibility for prison vetting and key-holding within custodial settings.

This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference in reducing reoffending and supporting recovery, while working as part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team. You’ll engage with clients in meaningful ways pre- and post-release, helping them take real steps toward recovery and reintegration, with opportunities for training, development, and career progression along the way.

If you’re committed, proactive, and ready to make a real impact, we want to hear from you. Step into a role where your work directly changes lives for the better.

Please see attached Job Description for full details

All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.

Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.