Reconnect Practitioner

Job summary

This role requires supporting people primarily in the area of East Lancashire, though will require cover across other areas of Lancashire as required by service need.

The post holder will work within the ReConnect Care after Custody for Lancashire & Cumbria, covering 6 prisons & the wider community of Lancashire & Cumbria.

Reconnect is a triage, assessment, referral & support service and starts working with people before they leave prison, where they will have access to Reconnect practitioners, engagement practitioners & Peer Support Workers, helping them to make the transition to community-based services. It is offered to people in prison up to 12 weeks prior to release, & up to 6 months support post release.

Main duties of the job

• increase access & uptake up of healthcare or relevant support services for vulnerable individuals who would otherwise struggle to engage
• reduce health inequalities for prison leavers
• ensure the health needs of individuals who are leaving prison are met
• ensure a safe transition from prison to community-based healthcare & support services & to provide follow-up to ensure engagement is maintained.

The Reconnect Practitioner role will identify and respond to requests to screen and assess people with vulnerabilities for persons who are approaching release from Her Majesty's Prisons and subsequently provide support within the community upon their release from prison. Referrals will be identified and received where there have been concerns that an individual has mental health issues, learning disability, substance misuse, social care, safeguarding or other vulnerabilities.

Assessment will consider the emotional wellbeing, cultural and gender needs, age and development related needs, including transition to adulthood and older person needs, social circumstances (including, relationships, leisure requirements, daily living, educational and occupational needs, employment/vocational needs, housing, finance) of those referred to ReConnect.

About us

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.

The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.

Details

Date posted: 16 October 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 5

Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum (subject to confirmation)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 351-BAY1111-MS

Job locations: East Lancashire, Lancashire, BB12 6QH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Vetting and Clearances: LSCFT staff entering the prison or probation estate will be subject to HMPPS security vetting carried out by National Offender Management Service and will be required to undergo Enhanced Level 1 vetting. The post holder is also expected to be have Enhanced DBS status.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice

Desirable

• Professional recognised qualification such as RMN, Learning Disability Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist.
• Psychology Degree

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability
• Knowledge of Criminal Justice System, including roles and responsibilities of staff working in it
• Knowledge of use and interpretation of health screening tools
• Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk - including risk of harm to self and others

Experience

Essential

• Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification
• Assessment of Risk of Service Users to self and others
• Timely and accurate documentation on electronic records
• Lone working

Skills

Essential

• Ability to recognise system barriers and utilise effective communication strategies to overcome and develop relationships
• Demonstrates an ability to motivate self and others

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name: Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Address: East Lancashire, Lancashire, BB12 6QH, United Kingdom

Employer's website:

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Lead, Alison Foreman,

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice.