Criminal Justice System - Community Support Worker

The Community Support Worker will provide direct, practical and person-centered support to mentees approaching release from prison and after release into the community. Working under the direction of the Project Manager, the post-holder will help mentees identify priorities, develop and progress action plans, access appropriate services and maintain engagement during a period of significant transition.

This is a front-line resettlement and community support role. The post-holder will work alongside mentees, volunteer mentors, prison and probation colleagues and community services to reduce barriers to stability, support safe mentoring relationships and help mentees progress towards realistic goals.

The role requires someone who can build trust while maintaining clear professional boundaries, work confidently across prison and community settings, manage a varied caseload, respond proactively to changing needs and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.

Key relationships

·                Project Manager and Service Delivery Director.

·                Other Trailblazers staff and project colleagues.

·                Volunteer mentors and prospective volunteers.

·                Mentees and, where appropriate, family members or other community support networks.

·                Prison staff, including resettlement, offender management and other relevant departments.

·                Probation practitioners and other statutory services.

·                Community organisations, accommodation providers, DWP / Jobcentre Plus, employers, education and training providers, health and substance misuse services and other local partners.