Link Worker Role
Introduction
WYCCP volunteers are called ‘Link Workers’. The aim of link workers is to work alongside key workers and the education, training and employment (ETE) worker to establish and maintain contact with identified service user(s) prior to their release from prison and following their release. This will continue with regular contact with the service user during their reintegration into the community, and may include providing support around housing, benefits, probation, training and employment. This will facilitate achievement of an agreed ‘action plan’ devised in partnership with the service user, resettlement workers, volunteer co-ordinator and any other relevant parties.
Link Worker Recruitment Process
1. Information and application form sent to prospective link worker, or application completed on-line, and returned to WYCCP.
2. Two volunteer references are followed up.
3. Initial assessment session to check suitability of applicants.
4. Completion of Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check form.
5. Volunteer final interview.
6. Completion of Spider Assessment Training.
7. Completion of compulsory shadowing activities.
8. Individual meeting between link worker and volunteer co-ordinator to access shadowing progress.
9. Link worker accepted to volunteer at WYCCP and matched with service users.
10. Ongoing individual one to one meetings and support to monitor volunteering progress.
Training and Support
Link workers must attend an assessed induction training programme prior to being accepted by WYCCP. The induction includes a prison tour and a range of workshops, case studies and shadowing opportunities. WYCCP has an ETE worker who provides advice and support to service users and link workers regarding education, training and employment.
All link workers receive support from the WYCCP team throughout their time at WYCCP; this includes one-to-one support and supervision from the volunteer co-ordinator.
Expectations
Time commitment – Link workers are expected to commit a minimum of one day per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) to their voluntary role, when actively involved with a service user.
Expenses – WYCCP value our link workers and want ensure that there are no barriers to volunteer involvement. All link workers will have their travel and other agreed expenses reimbursed.
Link Worker Role Description
Key Tasks
- To develop a working relationship with the service users prior to and post release. This may involve visiting the service user in prison, meeting them at the gate on release or establishing contact following their release.
- To support the service users in the community and work towards their action plan as directed by the key workers.
- To encourage the service users to take ownership of their action plan.
- To arrange post release meetings with relevant agencies and support networks (e.g housing, employment, training etc.)
- To keep clear and comprehensive records of the work undertaken in accordance with the WYCCP record keeping protocol.
Other Duties
- To undertake the mandatory induction training provided by WYCCP.
- To undertake additional training as required.
- To maintain a professional relationship with service users at all times.
- To work positively in partnership with the Resettlement Workers and the ETE Worker and maintain regular contact with the Volunteer Co-ordinator in order to debrief, discuss issues and share relevant information.
- To undertake regular case management supervision with key workers.
- To abide by and be familiar with WYCCP volunteer agreement, policies and procedures.
These tasks may be carried out by individual link workers or working collaboratively with other link workers and WYCCP paid staff. Working partnerships with service users may be from single meetings to several months, depending on the needs of the service user.
Link Worker Person Specification
- Be at least 18 years old and of sufficient emotional maturity to take on a similar supportive role.
- Be committed to the multi-faith ethos of WYCCP.
- Be committed to the principles of diversity and equality.
- Be committed to the re-integration into the community of ex-offenders.
- Be able to work in a flexible, non judgemental way.
- Have good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Be a good listener.
- Be able to work in a person centred way.
- Be well organised and resourceful.
- Be able to work in partnership with other members; staff, link workers and other agencies.
- Have basic IT skills.
If you think you have what it takes to become a WYCCP Link Worker and assist ex-offenders to find a way forward, please complete the application form below, and return it to
Amy Boucher – Volunteer Co-ordinator
Tel: 0113 3874582
Email: Amy.Boucher@wyccp.org.uk
Please note the next Recruitment and Training of new Volunteers will be taking place Autumn 2013.
To download an application form click on the link below