Trainee Recovery Worker - East Kent - Dover & Folkstone

We are The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky), the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We believe and are committed to providing opportunities to all people including those with ‘Lived Experience’ we encourage applications from all background including those in recovery from addiction, co-dependency or gambling, have experience of previous offending or homelessness.

As part of the traineeship you will be shadowing a member of the team and will be given guidance and support working through the various aspects of the role in the business unit you have been assigned to. The team member you will be shadowing will help ensure you are receiving the training and development needed to become competent in the role. You will receive regular reviews to ensure that you stay on track to successfully complete the traineeship and undertake the compulsory therapy as part of the traineeship. Part of your time on the traineeship will be spent working, gaining the practical experience and part studying towards achieving the qualification that has been assigned (subject to criteria).

• Support with the organisation and smooth running of events and Forward reunions– whether social events, fundraising events or celebratory events.
• Work with the communications team to research and write copy, new stories and case studies for both internal and external audiences, such as newsletters, website articles, blogs and press releases.
• Promotion of the Forward Connect network and it’s interventions to SU’s, staff and relevant local external agencies such as supported housing projects.
• Working with the Communications team, you will assist with the design and editing our client magazine, The Journey.
• Support the development of social media channels, website and intranet.
• Conduct research to support new projects and activities within Forward Connect.
• Develop links with relevant agencies including residential rehabs, supported housing / housing providers, and other local organisations offering volunteering opportunities.
• Available to facilitate Forward Connect meetings as and when required to a good standard.
• Develop skills in the collection and recording of data for audit, research and reporting Purposes.
• Keep the database up to date and accurate and managed in accordance with Data Protection Principles and Law.
• Take on other tasks and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Line Manager as part of the Traineeship.
• Work with other staff members across the Recovery Support Directorate as appropriate.

• An understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults in recovery with experience of previous offending or homelessness
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equal opportunity and client confidentiality
• Able to manage own workload effectively to deadlines and targets
• An understanding of the needs of clients who are in or working towards recovery
• An ability to set and maintain professional boundaries
• Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths, or able to meet qualification requirements in English and Maths

Alongside Simply Health coverage, and a contributory pension scheme to assist employees with their general health and well-being. We offer:

• • Training and Development Opportunities
  • Flexible working 
  • Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Crisis Loan Scheme
  • Electric Car Scheme
  • Simply Health Cashback Scheme
  • £90 per month - External Therapy Allowance 
  • 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
  • Access to Blue Light Card
  • 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
  • Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
  • Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
  • Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

Trainee Recovery Worker - Dover