Community outreach and resettlement worker jobs
We are currently seeking an Outreach Worker to join our dedicated team. We recognise that the transition from the Approved Premises to community living can be a difficult time for our residents. As Outreach Worker, you will support residents remaining in the Reading area, both prior to their move on and for up to six months post move on. The aim is to support them living independently, with practical matters and signposting to additional support services within the community.
This is a part time post, working 20 hours a week. The proposed working pattern is Monday – Friday, 1pm – 5pm, but we are open to considering alternative working arrangements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify residents that will be remaining in Reading at the earliest opportunity and work with them to prepare for move on, completing needs assessments and support plans.
- Continue to work with residents remaining in Reading for approximately six months post move on to support their successful resettlement into the community.
- Work closely with partner agencies (to include Alana House, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police).
- Engage with residents in a fair and consistent manner, using motivational methods that promote the desired outcomes of compliance and rehabilitation.
- Work in line with all Elizabeth Fry Charity policies and procedures.
About You:
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
- Confidence using IT systems, particularly Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Effective time management and organisational skills.
- A commitment to the values and mission of Elizabeth Fry Charity.
Desirable:
- Experience working with individuals facing a range of social or personal difficulties.
- Understanding of the criminal justice system, particularly the Probation Service.
- Awareness of the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system.
Personal Attributes:
- High levels of enthusiasm, motivation, and a proactive approach to work.
- Ability to work within professional boundaries, balancing care, and control.
- Flexible and adaptable, willing to take on a variety of tasks.
- Commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.
Why Join Us?
At Elizabeth Fry Charity, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable women. We value professional development and offer a collaborative working environment where your contribution truly matters.
In addition, we offer.
· Access to Perkbox, an employee benefits platform.
· Confirmation in post bonus following successful completion of Probationary Period, as well as long term service awards at both three and ten years.
· Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
· 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays per annum (pro rata), which increases with length of service up to 30 days.
· Meals provided at the Approved Premises by an in-house Chef, who will cater for all dietary requirements.
Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Delivery of Services and Standards
· Identify residents that will be remaining in Reading at the earliest opportunity and work with them to prepare for move on, completing needs assessments and support plans.
· Continue to work with residents remaining in Reading for approximately six months post move on to support their successful resettlement into the community.
· Refer women to Alana House and support them to engage with this service.
· Work closely with partner agencies (to include Alana House, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police).
- Engage with residents in a fair and consistent manner, using motivational methods that promote the desired outcomes of compliance and rehabilitation.
- Contribute to the enforcement of non-compliance with the Elizabeth Fry Charity programme, Elizabeth Fry Charity rules, licence and/or bail conditions.
- Contribute to the management of risk of re-offending and serious harm, through the monitoring of residents and liaison with other agencies, e.g. Probation Service, Police and Social Services.
· Liaise with other agencies to ensure that proposed ‘move on’ plans are appropriate, based on the residents’ licence and/or bail conditions and risk profile.
- Work as an effective member of the Elizabeth Fry Charity team, in accordance with agreed requirements and objectives.
- Undertake any other duties requested of you by a Manager, to ensure the Elizabeth Fry Charity is able to function as required.
- Complete all monitoring and evaluation requirements in the necessary timeframe.
Management of Physical Resources
- Ensure that any health and safety and/or building maintenance issues are reported to the appropriate Manager.
- Follow all health and safety, fire and Elizabeth Fry Charity security procedures.
Management of Systems and Information
- Maintain accurate and timely records, using the appropriate case management, assessments and local systems.
- Maintain residents’ individual files to the required standards.
- Make records available for inspection and/or monitoring, as required.
General
- Undertake training, as required by the Elizabeth Fry Charity.
- Comply with all of Elizabeth Fry Charity policies and expectations.
- Actively engage in team meetings, practice development meetings, appraisal and supervision meeting with the Approved Premises Operations Manager and contribute to the business plan.
- Undertake any other duties requested of you by a Manager to ensure the Elizabeth Fry Charity is able to function as required.
Person Specification
Experience and skills
Essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with great attention to detail.
Confidence in using IT systems, including excel and word.
Excellent time management skills.
Desirable
Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Probation Service and the assessment and management of risk.
An understanding of the challenges facing women who are involved in the criminal justice system.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
Commitment to the work and values of Elizabeth Fry Charity
High levels of enthusiasm, self-motivation and a “can do” attitude.
Ability to work appropriately within boundaries and to balance issues surrounding care and control.
Flexible approach to work and a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks.
Commitment to equal opportunities and safeguarding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE CLINK CHARITY
The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, rehabilitation, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.
Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.
What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that rehabilitates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.
The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.
Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2024, across 218 events, The Clink fed 36,000 people.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Support and Employment Worker will provide a high quality and responsive mentoring and advocacy service which creatively addresses the needs and risks of our students and graduates to enable them to avoid further offending and to obtain and maintain employment upon release.
Our students and graduates will come from multiple prison sites across the London and the South East region, so careful diary management, logistical planning and travel are key components of the role.
This is a flexible role, mostly based at HMP Brixton, but will also include travelling between
HMP Downview and HMP Send multiple prisons and our Clink Training Café site in Herne Hill, with some working from home and managing a community caseload of graduates who have been released.
The Support and Employment Worker will develop action plans with each student in prison to support them in obtaining employment upon release and also in developing independent living skills to work towards their long-term goals and aspirations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Support and Employment Worker at The Clink, you are responsible for:
•Mentoring, supporting and being the point of contact for students and graduates as they transition from our hospitality and horticulture training programmes in prison and in the community for up to 12 months.
•Working with and supporting people in prison and students prior to and after release from prison, or from graduation in our community café, to empower them in finding and maintaining accommodation, employment and a drug-free, offence-free lifestyle.
•Building relationships with Clink Chef Trainers, HMPPS Resettlement and Employment Teams, HMPPS Officers and Governing Teams in the prison and all parties invested in the training, support and employment of our learners.
•Working with students and graduates to identify their needs and risks, and to identify short and long-term goals.
•Motivating and engaging students and graduates and to provide practical and emotional support.
•Liaising with employers to secure opportunities for our students and for continuity of employment for graduates upon release.
•Supporting people dealing with drug and alcohol problems and to make referrals to other services as required.
•Undertaking risk assessments for each student, to recognise changes in risk level and take appropriate action.
•Maintaining case records and report on students' progress to external agencies and for our own Clink records on Clink Connect, our CRM system.
•Working in partnership with the team to enhance overall delivery of the service.
•Maintaining a professional approach that enhances the reputation of the charity.
DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience of prisons and/or the criminal justice system. This can be lived experience.
- Experience of working with a variety of client groups both in custody and in the community, including men, women and 16-25-year-olds.
- Experience of working with young people in gangs and/or at risk of exploitation and county lines.
- Experience of working with neurodivergent people and those with disabilities and additional needs.
- Experience and skill in using a trauma informed approach with vulnerable people who present a risk of harm, including knowledge of mental health issues, drug and alcohol use and offending behaviour.
- Experience in setting up a strong employer network and using this to support our graduates into employment post-release.
- Experience referring to other services and using a multi-agency approach.
- A level of numeracy sufficient to carry out tasks such as budgeting with clients, calculating benefit entitlements and understanding rent arrears.
- An understanding of safeguarding issues and PREVENT Duty and the ability to assess risk in consultation with line manager.
- Some knowledge of the benefits system and ability to deal with housing agencies and landlords
- Driver with clean licence.
- IT literate - will need to maintain records about our students on our in-house CRM system and complete assessments for HMPPS.
- Able to adopt a supportive, confident and motivating approach to the client group.
- Willing to engage in training and development of your own knowledge and skills.
- Able to pass a prison security clearance.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Confident and resilient personality, with the strength of character to work in complex prison settings and with highly vulnerable people.
- Perseverence and tenacity — a desire to see our students be successful and to advocate strongly on their behalf which often requires a relentless optimism.
- Highly organised and efficient person - able to juggle multiple responsibilities, manage your own time and schedule, and be a consistent source of support for our beneficiaries.
- A strong networker - your key responsibility will be to manage stakeholders in the prison, in probation, in other third sector support groups, and with employers to advocate for our students to have the chance of quality employment outcomes.
- An assertive communicator - you will need to be patient, kind and compassionate and to communicate with our students with sensitivity and clear expectations.
REPORTING LINES MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS
You will report directly to the Support Lead for London and the SE, the Executive Leadership Team, but also work closely with the Operations team in the prisons and related Clink project leads in the community.
GENERAL CLINK CHARITY INFORMATION
All staff are expected to:
- Comply with all current legislation
- Comply with all prison operational policies
- Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook
- Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to pass prison security vetting process to be able to draw keys.
- Must have a valid driving licence .
Benefits:
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Free meals on duty when based in a restaurant or visiting for business
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell.
In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.
Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 Feb at 0900.
We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.
If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.
Appointment process
Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.
Interview
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.
Interview outcome
If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.
References
If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.
All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to The Clink Charity, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).
Personal information
The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how The Clink Charity will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.
EDI
We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. In addition, as this role works directly with people in prison and those at risk of offending, those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.
Accessible recruitment
The Clink Charity is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview, or appointment stage, please make us aware in your application.
Please ensure you submit a Cover Letter/Supporting Statement. You should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.
Thank you!
This is not a typical administrative role. As General Administrator at New Citizens’ Gateway, you will be at the heart of a charity that believes everyone deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to thrive.
Every day, your work will directly support refugees and people seeking asylum as they rebuild their lives in the UK. From being the first welcoming point of contact at reception, to supporting frontline staff, managing communications and keeping vital systems running smoothly, you will play a key role in ensuring our services are accessible, effective and compassionate.
You’ll be joining a small, dedicated team where collaboration, respect and inclusion are not just values on paper, but how we work in practice. Your organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to juggle priorities will help enable our advisers, youth workers and mental health teams to focus on what matters most — supporting people in need.
In return, we offer:
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Generous 26 days annual leave to support a healthy work–life balance (excluding Bank Holidays)
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6% employer pension contribution to help you plan for the future
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A friendly, inclusive and supportive team culture
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Meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to refugees and asylum seekers
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Regular supervision and ongoing support in a collaborative environment
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A strong commitment to equality, dignity and respect in the workplace
This role is ideal for someone who wants their work to have real social impact, enjoys variety, and takes pride in being the backbone of a busy, mission-driven organisation.
If you are motivated by purpose, comfortable working with diverse communities, and want to contribute to meaningful change, we would love to hear from you. Interview date 09/02/2026
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Providing holistic support which enables inclusion of those seeking/getting protection in England and Wales as equal participants in the UK life
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.