Job Role: Community Link Worker

Location: HMP Lancaster Farms/The 180 Project, Darwen
Reports to: Prison Service Delivery Manager
Contract Type: Full-time 37 hours/week
Salary: Up to £28,000 based on experience

About Us

The 180 Project is a unique and innovative organisation dedicated to rehabilitation and transformative justice. We blend CrossFit, compassion and community to support those caught in negative life cycles. We are proud to run the only affiliated CrossFit gym in a prison in the UK, fostering personal growth and positive behavioural change for those in the criminal justice system.

Role Purpose

The Community Link Worker will play a pivotal role in delivering rehabilitative services aimed at helping individuals integrate into society post-conviction. This includes providing tailored, strengths-based support to connect individuals with community resources, fostering personal growth, and reducing barriers to desistance and recovery.

Key Responsibilities

    • Engage and case manage eligible participants on the 180 Resettlement program by providing ongoing support.

    • Carry out initial and ongoing assessment of support needs.

    • Create an Action Plan, planning and designing appropriate activities, training programmes and interventions

    • Provide advocacy and support, ensuring appropriate referrals to other professional services when required.

    • Develop realistic and motivating plans of community involvement, aligning with probation objectives.

    • Serve as a "human bridge" to connect individuals into the 180 Community resources, including housing, education, training, employment opportunities, and mutual aid groups.

    • Build strong partnerships with local grassroots and lived-experience organisations to foster long-term support pathways for those that live outside the 180 Project locality.

    • Identify opportunities for individuals to participate in the 180 community programs or establish mutual aid groups within their communities.

    • Liaise with probation practitioners, prison staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into the community.

 

Person Specification

Essential

  • Experience working with offenders and/or vulnerable individuals within a prison or custodial environment.

  • Good understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to assess risk in consultation with your team.

  • Experience working in partnership with external stakeholders, such as employers, drug & alcohol services, benefits agencies, and probation services.

  • Understanding of methods to prepare clients to live and work independently.

  • Strong English language communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality meeting minutes, client notes, and letters.

  • Ability to work under pressure, effectively manage time, and prioritise needs accordingly.

  • Up-to-date DBS documentation.

  • Understanding or willingness to learn CrossFit methodology.

  • Ability to engage in physical CrossFit sessions.

 

Desirable

  • Lived experience of the criminal justice system or addiction recovery.

  • Training or experience in coaching, mentoring, or peer support programs.

  • Knowledge of issues affecting the rehabilitation of offenders.

  • Experience working with offenders or those marginalised from mainstream services, particularly in training, guidance, advice, and counselling.

  • Familiarity with National Probation Services, HM Prison environments, and training, education, or employment opportunities.

  • Proven success in a target-driven environment with the ability to drive performance through focused management.

  • Experience delivering training and interventions, preferably within the justice sector or similar environments.

  • Strong relationship-building skills with colleagues and stakeholders.

  • Understanding of the barriers faced by offenders/ex-offenders when reintegrating into society and the ability to manage challenging behaviour.

  • Dedication to the rehabilitation of prisoners, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for participants.

 

 Key Outcomes

  • Increased engagement of individuals in community activities and resources.

  • Strengthened relationships and networks for individuals, promoting long-term desistance and recovery.

  • Creation and sustainability of new community resources and pathways, including peer mentoring programs.

  • Improved confidence and support among probation practitioners and community stakeholders.

Application Process

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role to lindsey.middleton@180project.co.uk.

Closing Date: Friday 19th September