RECONNECT Trainee - Norfolk

At Forward Trust, we empower people to break the cycle of crime and addiction and move forward to live fulfilling lives.

We’re looking for a Reconnect Trainee to join our team in Norfolk, supporting people leaving custody to reconnect with vital health and wellbeing services in the community.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start a career in health, wellbeing or criminal justice support. As part of the role, you’ll complete a 12–18 month Level 2 apprenticeship in a relevant qualification alongside your work with the RECONNECT team.

Please note: This is a community-based role across Norfolk, supporting individuals before and after release from prison. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential in order to travel between locations and meet service users.

About the RECONNECT Service

RECONNECT supports adults with health needs who are due to leave prison or an immigration removal centre. The service works with individuals up to 12 weeks before release and up to 6 months afterwards, helping them maintain and access the health and wellbeing support they need when returning to the community.

You’ll support individuals across:

• HMP Norwich
• HMP Wayland
• HMP Bure

What You’ll Be Doing

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll help deliver a person-centred and holistic service that supports people to transition safely from custody to community services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing referrals and providing updates to referrers
• Learning to carry out needs assessments and develop care plans
• Supporting service users with health and wellbeing needs for up to 6 months post-release
• Helping people access GPs, health services and local support networks
• Making referrals to services including Meet and Greet / Meet at the Gate support
• Ensuring service users are connected with appropriate community services prior to release
• Maintaining clear case notes, assessments, care plans and risk assessments
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share best practice and manage risk
• Supporting the recruitment and training of prison peer supporters

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone compassionate, motivated and keen to develop, with a genuine interest in supporting vulnerable individuals.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience supporting vulnerable adults (through work, volunteering or placements)
• A passion for helping people facing complex challenges
• A commitment to learning and personal development
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Confidence maintaining professional boundaries
• Strong IT and administrative skills
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (essential for this role)

If you’re ready to make an impact and help people reconnect with support and opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

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.