Outreach Worker

Supporting women to make positive changes in their lives

Elizabeth Fry Charity runs a Ministry of Justice Approved Premises in Reading, accommodating up to 24 women.

We strive to be an excellent provider of accommodation and support for women in the criminal justice system.

Are you looking for an opportunity where your skills will make a difference in supporting women in the Criminal Justice System?

Outreach Worker

We are currently seeking an Outreach Worker to join our dedicated team. 

We recognise that the transition from the Approved Premises to community living can be a difficult time for our residents. 

As Outreach Worker, you will support residents remaining in the Reading area, both prior to their move on and for up to six months post move on. 

The aim is to support them living independently, with practical matters and signposting to additional support services within the community. 

This is a part time post, working 20 hours a week.  The proposed working pattern is Monday – Friday, 1pm – 5pm, but we can consider alternative working arrangements.   

Key Responsibilities

• Identify residents that will be remaining in Reading at the earliest opportunity and work with them to prepare for move on, completing needs assessments and support plans.
• Continue to work with residents remaining in Reading for approximately six months post move on to support their successful resettlement into the community.
• Work closely with partner agencies (to include Alana House, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police).
• Engage with residents in a fair and consistent manner, using motivational methods that promote the desired outcomes of compliance and rehabilitation.
• Work in line with all Elizabeth Fry Charity policies and procedures.

About You

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Confidence using IT systems, particularly Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• A commitment to the values and mission of Elizabeth Fry Charity.

Desirable:

• Experience working with individuals facing a range of social or personal difficulties.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, particularly the Probation Service.
• Awareness of the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system.

Personal Attributes:

• High levels of enthusiasm, motivation, and a proactive approach to work.
• Ability to work within professional boundaries, balancing care, and control.
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to take on a variety of tasks.
• Commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.

Why Join Us

At Elizabeth Fry Charity, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable women.

We value professional development and offer a collaborative working environment where your contribution truly matters.

In addition, we offer

• Access to Perkbox, an employee benefits platform. 
• Confirmation in post bonus following successful completion of Probationary Period, as well as long term service awards at both three and ten years. 
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme. 
• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays per annum (pro rata), which increases with length of service up to 30 days.
• Meals provided at the Approved Premises by an in-house Chef, who will cater for all dietary requirements. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Delivery of Services and Standards

• Identify residents that will be remaining in Reading at the earliest opportunity and work with them to prepare for move on, completing needs assessments and support plans.
• Continue to work with residents remaining in Reading for approximately six months post move on to support their successful resettlement into the community.
• Refer women to Alana House and support them to engage with this service.
• Work closely with partner agencies (to include Alana House, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police).
• Engage with residents in a fair and consistent manner, using motivational methods that promote the desired outcomes of compliance and rehabilitation.
• Contribute to the enforcement of non-compliance with the Elizabeth Fry Charity programme, Elizabeth Fry Charity rules, licence and/or bail conditions.
• Contribute to the management of risk of re-offending and serious harm, through the monitoring of residents and liaison with other agencies, e.g. Probation Service, Police and Social Services.
• Liaise with other agencies to ensure that proposed ‘move on’ plans are appropriate, based on the residents’ licence and/or bail conditions and risk profile.
• Work as an effective member of the Elizabeth Fry Charity team, in accordance with agreed requirements and objectives.
• Undertake any other duties requested of you by a Manager, to ensure the Elizabeth Fry Charity is able to function as required.
• Complete all monitoring and evaluation requirements in the necessary timeframe.

Management of Physical Resources

• Ensure that any health and safety and/or building maintenance issues are reported to the appropriate Manager.
• Follow all health and safety, fire and Elizabeth Fry Charity security procedures.

Management of Systems and Information

• Maintain accurate and timely records, using the appropriate case management, assessments and local systems. 
• Maintain residents’ individual files to the required standards.
• Make records available for inspection and/or monitoring, as required.

General

• Undertake training, as required by the Elizabeth Fry Charity.
• Comply with all of Elizabeth Fry Charity policies and expectations.
• Actively engage in team meetings, practice development meetings, appraisal and supervision meeting with the Approved Premises Operations Manager and contribute to the business plan.
• Undertake any other duties requested of you by a Manager to ensure the Elizabeth Fry Charity is able to function as required.