GDAS Criminal Justice Practitioner

GDAS Criminal Justice Practitioner

Newport, Gwent, NP20 1EL

Salary: £27,026.69 - £29,232.95 per annum

12 month Fixed Term Contract - Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

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 resource 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 the opportunity for a GDAS Criminal Justice Practitioner to join our team within our Gwent contract.

As a member of our GDAS CJ team, you will play a critical role in enabling people with complex and problematic substance misuse histories to build positive futures and healthy lifestyles, and focus on moving into active recovery. Your main focus will be holding a caseload of people with high intensity substance misuse needs. You will work collaboratively to enable them to achieve objectives set for their time in our service as well as capturing and communicating information relating to their safety and risk.

You will also play a key role in delivering our programme of holistic support for people with significant substance misuse and wellbeing needs. We provide a range of interventions and activities which are collectively designed to ensure that each individual can engage in a treatment plan that meets their needs, with options including CBT based group work, physical exercise programmes, mindfulness based activities, mutual aid support groups, and diversionary activities.

We are looking for candidates who believe in a positive psychology approach and firmly believe that people can change. The environment and the role can be challenging but we strive to support people accessing GDAS CJ support to focus on improving their wellbeing, and building good lives and positive futures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a diverse caseload of people, taking responsibility for all substance misuse care planning processes such as assessing treatment need and readiness, treatment sequencing, goal planning, clinical treatment and ‘Through the gate’ provisions.
• Contribute to the delivery of substance misuse and wellbeing support activities, including facilitation of groups and organising/running activities, awareness events, and approved programmes.
• Ensure that risk information is communicated widely with GDAS (both CJ and non-CJ) and other key stakeholders such as probation, the police, courts and prison based substance misuse services.
• Engage with people in a variety of settings, including Police Custody, Courts, Prisons and Community bases, with a view to encouraging consistent attendance with support interventions and activities to increase likelihood of long term positive lifestyle changes.
• Ensure all case information is accurately recorded and communicated via appropriate case management systems such as CSP and Palbase.
• To provide reports to assist the Courts in their duty to provide appropriate sanctions, and to attend Court as required.
• Carry out appropriate assessments of the client to: determine nature and extent of substance use; explore how this impacts upon all aspects of their life identifying problematic areas; prioritise need, using information gathered to inform Wellbeing plans.
• Provide relevant information, advice and individual support to clients with the aim of reducing risk of harm to themselves, family, friends and the wider community; reducing the risk of overdose, spread of communicable diseases and lapse or relapse.
• Contribute to assessing the risks, and minimising the effects of immediate danger, harm and abuse to substance users, and support individuals to review situations and actions after the immediate risk has passed.
• Provide structured key work sessions to support and assist clients to build a positive future.
• Promote effective communication and integration, and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to increase opportunities for the people you care for.
• Work collaboratively with the prescribing team in the provision of clinical treatment.
• Work collaboratively with the GDAS non-CJ team to effectively encourage progression through the stages of recovery and out of the CJ system.
• Contribute to the delivery of key commissioned objectives and performance indicators, ensuring work is completed in time and to a high standard in line with contractual

The successful candidate must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a willingness to self-evaluate performance and behaviour.  The ability to work in a non-judgemental manner with people who have offended and to manage and prioritise own workloads together with demonstrable high levels of resilience.

The following would be desirable but arent essential;

• A relevant qualification in Social Care, criminology or other associated subject
• Experience in the fields of criminal justice or substance misuse
• Flexible thinking and solution oriented thinking.
• Experience of facilitating group interventions and completing 121 keywork sessions.
• Ability to use Google, Word, Excel, and other IT systems.
• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.
• Welsh speaker

Please note that applicants must complete a 500 - 700 word statement outlining their suitability for the role and clearly outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge would apply to this post.

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.

G4S is the International business of Allied Universal, the world’s leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the Fortune 500. Allied Universal delivers unparalleled customer relationships, innovative solutions, cutting-edge smart technologies and tailored services that enable clients to focus on their core businesses. With operations in over 100 countries and territories, Allied Universal is the third largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Annual revenue is approximately $23 billion. There is no greater purpose and responsibility than serving and helping to safeguard customers, communities and people. For more information, visit g4s.com.   In the UK, the company has an extensive network of offices and more than 31,000 employees.