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.

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week - Mixed shifts days 12.5 and 7.5hrs 

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. 

ABOUT THE SERVICE 

The OPDHASS Engagement Worker supports high-risk individuals in the criminal justice system with personality disorders. Part of the OPD Pathway, jointly commissioned by HMPPS and NHS England and managed by Penrose, the role provides specialist accommodation and intensive support to high-risk men and women, helping them resettle and transition to independent living, reducing reoffending. Through dedicated support and a psychologically informed approach, the role enhances the safety and well-being of residents and the community.

Benefits, including Non-Contractual Perks

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Training and Development including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Medicash including discount gym memberships, routine optometry care, dental treatments, and physiotherapy treatments
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
• Reflect Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

If you have the passion, creativity, and tenacity to make a real difference to people’s lives, challenge stigma and make our communities safer, we would love to hear from you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the development of support plans, risk assessments and reviews to meet resident and participant needs. 
• Support residents and participants in achieving their goals through developing support plans, conducting risk assessments, and participating in reviews and case meetings.
• Empower our residents and participants (R&P) to make decisions, participate in projects and take control over their lives, also provide advice, information and guidance.
• Encourage R&P to develop social networks and undertake meaningful activities to assist them to develop positive coping mechanisms and reintegrate into the wider community.
• Support R&P back into society and building networks. For example, assisting with making welfare benefit claims, and signposting to the correct provisions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external persons and agencies including but not limited to care providers, neighbours, GP’s, probation services, and community forensic teams.
• Recognise signs of deteriorating mental health and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent a crisis.
• Attend appointments with residents at but not limited to Probation, MAPPA, P2R, DP’s, CMHT, Job Centre, Hospital, Dentist, Debt advice, Court, Councils.
• Administration duties will vary. This includes maintaining confidential records in a timely manner and containing information in accordance with relevant statutory and organisational policies.
• Complete safeguarding and other referrals where required.

Other responsibilities than those described above may be required to be undertaken from time to time and will be expected to be performed to as long as it is within the capability and level of the position. 

KEY CRITERIA

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.

WORKING FOR US

Our Values

Ambition – Eager to succeed and to accomplish as much as possible for our people

Empowerment – Giving staff and the people we support the tools, training, and information they need to achieve their potential

Transparency – Upfront and visible about our actions and open to scrutiny from stakeholders, service users, and staff

Inclusivity – Listening to, understanding, and including all our stakeholders to ensure we make a difference and get things right

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

For Recruitment related enquiries, please email recruitment@socialinterestgroup.org.uk or call us on 020 3668 9270