HMP Styal Link Worker - Recalled Women

Join GMWSA and help women build positive futures after prison

The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) is looking for a passionate and motivated Link Worker to support women who have experienced multiple recalls to custody and are preparing for release from HMP Styal.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist, women-centred organisation committed to delivering trauma-responsive, gender-specific support to women facing multiple disadvantage.

Working directly with women in custody, you will support them to overcome barriers to successful resettlement, reconnect with services in their local communities, and build the foundations for a more stable future.

About the Role

As the HMP Styal Link Worker, you will provide one-to-one support to women from Greater Manchester who have been recalled to custody. Many of the women you will work with will have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, homelessness, substance misuse, family separation, and other complex challenges.

You will:

• Build trusting relationships with women whilst they are in custody.
• Assess individual needs and develop person-centred support plans.
• Support women to prepare for release and reintegration into their communities.
• Link women into local Women’s Centres, housing providers, and specialist support services.
• Work closely with prison staff, probation, housing providers and community organisations.
• Provide practical and emotional support before and immediately after release where required.
• Advocate on behalf of women to ensure they can access the services and support they need.

This role requires someone who can combine empathy, resilience and strong professional boundaries while working in a challenging but highly rewarding environment.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting women and understands the challenges faced by those involved in the criminal justice system.

You will ideally have:

• Experience of supporting vulnerable adults with complex needs.
• Experience in advocacy, support work, case management or related roles.
• An understanding of trauma-responsive and strengths-based approaches.
• Knowledge of issues affecting women involved in the criminal justice system.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We welcome applications from women with lived experience of the criminal justice system and will support successful candidates through the required vetting processes.

Why Join GMWSA?

GMWSA is a partnership of Women’s Centres and specialist organisations working across Greater Manchester to support women facing multiple disadvantage.

We believe in:

• Trauma-responsive and evidence-led practice
• Women’s voices shaping services
• Partnership and collaboration
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Empowerment, dignity and respect

You’ll be joining a team committed to helping women overcome barriers, reduce reoffending and create lasting positive change.

Important Information

This post is open to women only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (occupational requirement).

The successful candidate will be required to undertake:

• Enhanced DBS check
• BPSS clearance
• HMPPS prison vetting and barring processes (Enhanced Check Levels 1 and 2)

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential.

Application deadline: 12 noon, Thursday 25 June 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 2 July 2026