RAPS/Recovery+ Engagement and Liason Caseworker

Main Responsibilities

RAPS/Recovery+ Engagement and Liason Caseworker

Swansea SA1 5DF

Salary range  £24,500 - £26,500 per annum depending on experience

Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

12 month Fixed Term Contract

G4S in Wales are a key provider of criminal justice services- operating in both the custodial and community sectors.  We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and we consistently seek to work alongside and in partnership with a range of other providers in the voluntary (third), public and private sectors.

We have developed services which are focused on identifying ways to maximise positive impact and make the most effective use of available resources by working with other agencies on common objectives.  In this way we are increasingly able to meet wide ranging and complex needs in the most appropriate way.

We have a commitment to research, evaluation and review of evidence based initiatives.

We value and, where possible, contribute to research into reducing re-offending and therefore we recognise the importance of understanding the wider environment in which individuals operate and this informs us about how best to engage, support and help people with change.

We seek to employ people with drive and energy and a real interest in innovation and teamwork – working beyond traditional organisational boundaries.

We now have an opportunity for a RAPS/Recovery+ (Rapid Access Prescribing Service) Engagement and Liason Caseworker to join our team based in Swansea.  As a member of our RAPS/Recovery+ team, you will play a critical role in enabling people with complex and problematic substance use histories to build positive futures and healthy lifestyles.

Your main focus will be to engage and encourage people in drug treatment to reduce the risks associated with illicit drug use. You will work alongside the clinical team and wider outreach teams to engage and support individuals to access the support they need to move into active recovery.

Our aim is to build strong professional relationships to help stabilise people and build their resilience so that they can progress to accessing mainstream treatment services and create healthy lifestyles.

You will work directly with the RAPS/Recovery+ team to ensure referrals, appointments and records are kept accurately. You will undertake assessment, brief interventions, planning and management of substance users, and therefore need strong interpersonal skills and an ability to engage people quickly. For this to be effective, you will need to demonstrate an approachable, energetic, and compassionate disposition.

 The ability to keep accurate records and contribute to a monthly progress and development report is critical to the role to ensure effectiveness of services.

*RAPS and Recovery+ are both Project ADDER initiatives. For more information on Project ADDER please visit: https://commissioner.south-wales.police.uk/media/2460/3108-22-project-adder-flyer-1.pdf

*RAPS - aims to provide an individual with swift access to clinical treatment as part of their recovery journey in order to encourage reduction in illicit drug consumption as a means of stabilisation. Alongside clinical treatment, psychosocial support is provided to encourage engagement with other health services and exploration into how recovery could be achieved.

*Recovery+ - is a service providing an additional level of support to those who have already engaged in drug/recovery treatment and require a further period of clinical and psychosocial support in order to achieve greater independence and sense empowerment to maintain abstinence from illicit substances.

Some of the key responsibilities of this role are:

• To represent the service positively by always acting with integrity and putting the people we support at the heart of all decision making.
• Support our mission to reduce drug related harms by promoting harm reduction and stabilisation by undertaking activities to engage, motivate and retain/re-engage people to sustain healthier lifestyles choices.
• Manage a diverse caseload of people with substance use and housing needs, taking responsibility for all engagement phases (assessment, care planning, clinical treatment and through care).
• Contribute to RAPS/Recovery+ multidisciplinary pathway to support treatment by carrying out detailed personal and risk assessments.
• Liaise with criminal justice teams such as Dyfodol, prisons, police custody and probation staff as necessary, to ensure effective information sharing and consistency of care is possible.
• To support the work of our clinical team to provide safe prescribing of opiate replacement therapy, and promote engagement with drug harms improved health promotions such as blood borne virus testing, sexual health, and overdose management.
• Work to the Hidden Harm and Trauma informed agendas, and any other issues that may affect young people and people with addictions.
• Support participants during transitional stages to improve success into long term recovery.
• Work in partnership with external agencies.
• In carrying out the above duties the post holder will:
• Work flexibly across operational and contract sites (for example, community bases, housing hubs and police stations,) as required.  We expect significant time to be spent at the MDT hub, homeless services and hostels and on outreach work.
• Work flexibly to agreed hours of work to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision and include evening and weekend working rota patterns. 
• Focus on personal performance, contribution, knowledge and skills.
• Take part in appraisal, training and supervision processes.
• Keep up to date with developments in services, legislation and practise relevant to the relevant service user groups.
• Ensure the implementation of all G4S policies.
• Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills

• Knowledge of substance misuse and related issues.
• Knowledge of local and national agencies for support individuals who are homeless
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good report writing and note keeping skills.
• An ability to work as part of a team.
• Prepared to work out of a variety of setting when required including Police Station, home visits and other community bases. The post will also involve evening and weekend working

We encourage applications from Welsh speaking candidates.

Equality and Diversity is an important part of G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are a fully inclusive employer who aims to support all employees to be their true selves. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for either the role or during the recruitment process.

G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and adults at risk and each employee is expected to support these goals.

Please note that these vacancies are subject to a 5 year checkable history and the strict vetting standards set by G4S and the Secretary of State for the Home Office.

You must be eligible to work in the UK and must have been resident in the UK for a minimum period of 3 years. You will also need to provide full details of your employment and education history for the last 5 years as part of the security screening process for this role.

Please note that applicants must complete a 200 - 400 word statement outlining their suitability for the role and clearly outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge would apply to this post.