Addictions Counsellor

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or 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. 

The Bridges is Forward’s residential substance misuse treatment centre in Hull for people of all genders over the age of 18 years, who have committed to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol.  We provide a structured 3- 6 month treatment programme based on the 12-step principles of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous which incorporates Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and the “Seeking Safety” approach.   

This programme has proven successful in giving dependent substance users the skills, attitudes and behaviour change to maintain abstinence and develop long term sustainable recovery. 

Over the last 20 years the unit has helped to create a growing recovery culture across the city and with the expansion of the Forward’s services and supports in the wider community, the ambition is to significantly increase this recovery capital as we further develop the unit.     

As part of the Treatment Team you will: 

• Manage a caseload, providing risk assessments, and recovery plans.  
• Deliver a programme of structured group-work sessions and individual 1-1 sessions. 
• Create effective and comprehensive plans for residents that are tailored to their individual needs and help them to achieve their treatment goals. 
• Be able to deliver the full range of psycho-social interventions relevant to individual client needs  
• Develop and contribute to the reintegration needs of service users, supporting them in the development of their plans which are appropriate to their needs. 
• Carry out admission procedures in line with agreed protocols 
• Accompany clients on external visits and activities as required 
• Supervise and record service users’ self-administration of prescribed medications 
• Maintain efficient record keeping and data collection at all times 
• Communicate client information within established written and verbal communication systems  
• Carry out drug and alcohol testing as required as part of the therapeutic regime 

Experience of working within the substance misuse services in a range of settings  

Experience of developing holistic recovery plans that address the range of needs of clients

Ability to engage effectively with the client group, including holding strong professional boundaries, conflict resolution and working with challenging behaviour.

Understanding of and commitment to the principles of equality and diversity, confidentiality, health and safety.

Good observational and reporting skills.

Strong IT skills.  

Level 4 qualification in counselling.

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

• • Road Tax & Insurance

    Annual Leave 

    The Forward Trust pays a minimum of 25 days (increasing to 30 days based on length of service) and 8 paid Bank Holidays, totalling to a minimum of 33 days paid leave per year. This means you receive a minimum of 5 day’s additional paid leave per year as part of your benefits package. 

     

    Staff Wellbeing 

    Simply Health Scheme, all staff are enrolled in the scheme unless you choose to opt out 

    • Claim back costs towards dental costs, opticians, physios and more 
    • 24/7 access to a doctor or counsellor 
    • Money back towards consultant appointments, plus tests and scans 
    • Discounts on health and well-being brands including gym memberships 

     

    Frontline staff are provided with a therapy allowance of £90 a month to provide external supervision and personal therapy  

     

    Wellbeing Days – full-time staff receive 21 hours of wellbeing time per year, this is used to engage in your chosen wellbeing activity.  

    Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme –  

    Electric Dreams is Forwards new and amazing staff benefit.  

    Working with our partner Octopus EV, for one combined payment (which is taken monthly before tax is deducted), staff can have access to a brand-new Electric Vehicle.  But that’s not all… 

     Also included for the one monthly payment are: 

    • Servicing & Maintenance (including Fair Wear Tyres); 
    • Breakdown Cover & Accident Management; 
    • Road Tax and Insurance 

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Addictions Counsellor