A Resettlement and Aftercare Provision (RAP) worker aims to achieve and sustain improved outcomes for young offenders. RAP workers are there to ensure that when young people are released from prison, resettlement activities complement the improved services delivered within custody. The programmes have been established in around fifty YOTs around the country, along with Youth Offender Management programmes in these areas. The programme is geared towards engaging with youth offenders with substance misuse issues. They deliver one-to-one and group service interventions.
The role works in partnership with a variety of community-based services with the aim of organising a broad range of programmes and activities for recently released young offenders. These include the resettlement and aftercare programmes, which help to nurture and maintain attitudes of care and respect in recent young offenders. In essence, the purpose of the role is to aid offenders’ further progression and social re-integration.
A typical day for a resettlement and aftercare provision worker will involve managing and co-ordinating of a large group of young individuals. This includes organising resettlement plans and re-integration interventions. It also involves dealing with substance abuse issues, as well as taking charge of a variety of resettlement issues including education, healthcare, employment, education, training, and accommodation needs.
Other responsibilities include providing relevant information, support and guidance to the offenders’ families, as well as continuing to visit offenders and monitor progress after the official programme deadline ends. This involves maintaining and revising up-to-date documents on each person, ensuring an organised and fully inclusive endurance of support. RAP workers are expected to adhere to flexible schedules, including evening and weekend work.
An undergraduate degree and/or a related professional qualification (i.e. in social or care work) would be desirable, but not essential.
Experience of provided care and support and work with young people required.
People skills, written and verbal communication skills, team work skills, a keen knowledge of issues.