Job Title: Substance Misuse Prison Link Worker
Location: Hybrid – across SW London prisons & community probation units
Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,154 - £30,742 per annum
Role and Team Overview:
Sanctuary Personnel are seeking a dedicated Prison Link Worker for our client's Dependency and Recovery Services. This role involves working within a hybrid model as part of a flexible, multi-disciplinary team across various custodial settings in London, with some work required in mandated community locations.
About Our Client:
They are a leading social enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals to break free from cycles of crime or addiction and move forward with their lives. With over 25 years of experience, they have been instrumental in helping thousands of people build positive and productive futures, regardless of their past. Their services support individuals in achieving lasting change, enabling them to build fulfilling lives with employment, family, friends, and community.
They deliver Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS) directly for HMPPS, providing Accommodation, Dependency and Recovery, and Personal Wellbeing services. Their current service areas include Dyfed-Powys, South Wales, Gwent, London, Yorkshire and The Humber, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and Cheshire.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the single point of contact with prisons, including substance misuse and healthcare teams.
- Support engagement and continuity of care for individuals with a history of non-engagement.
- Manage risks associated with transition to the community, including treatment drop-out and overdose.
- Build relationships with prisoners, key workers, and prison SMU teams to understand pre/post-release needs.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop action plans, and maintain accurate records.
- Provide support and guidance for substance use disorders, often co-occurring with other mental health issues.
- Ensure access and sustained engagement with statutory and existing provisions without duplicating services.
- Adhere to targets set by the organisation and local commissioners.
- Collaborate effectively with partner agencies and probation staff.
- Perform both 1:1 and group work, face-to-face and virtual, to deliver services and support.
Principal Accountabilities:
Service Delivery:
- Support individuals in prison before release, creating robust post-release pathways into community substance misuse services.
- Track individuals prior to release, ensuring comprehensive release plans are in place and appointments are pre-booked.
- Deliver 1:1 sessions and group work/programme facilitation as per action plans.
- Maintain effective relationships and communication with stakeholders, enhancing access and support for individuals on probation.
- Collaborate with offender management arrangements and participate in key meetings and multidisciplinary reviews.
Performance Management:
- Comply with service level agreements and performance targets.
- Ensure interventions meet required standards.
- Manage caseload effectively, prioritising appropriately.
Quality and Safety:
- Raise and report safeguarding concerns timely.
- Maintain accurate and professional service user records.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities.
- Report incidents and near misses as per policy.
Administration:
- Maintain case management documentation to audit standards.
- Ensure data capture systems are accurate and up-to-date.
- Complete session and end-of-service reports as required.
Systems and Policy:
- Use IT efficiently to support your role.
- Adhere to working protocols and share information appropriately.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices.
Other:
- Undertake reasonable tasks and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by line management.
- Identify and pursue training and development needs.
- Travel independently around the region as required.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Understanding the needs of individuals upon release and within the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrable experience managing high caseloads, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining effective case records.
- Experience delivering 1:1 and group interventions using motivational and trauma-informed approaches.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with key partners.
- Knowledge of addiction approaches and the recovery agenda.
- Driving licence and access to a car.
- Relevant qualifications in substance misuse or comparable experience.
Personal Attributes:
- Proactivity and initiative.
- Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
- Confidence and effective communication.
- Teamwork and openness to feedback.
Qualification:
- Level 3 substance misuse related qualification or relevant experience.
- Additional qualifications in advice, guidance, counselling, or teaching are desirable.
If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about making a difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel.
