Peer Coordinator - PWS

Are you a hard-working and passionate individual with excellent people skills?

Do you have the commitment and drive to undertake a role that is diverse and rewarding?

Do you believe that anyone is capable of lasting change, whatever their past?

If so, as a national organisation Forward Trust can offer you this opportunity.

We believe in 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.

Our aim is to reduce re-offending through a comprehensive, holistic and person centred package of support. Our service is tailored to meet individual needs by delivering a range of programmes within the categories of Family and Significant others, Lifestyle and associates, Emotional Well Being and Social Inclusion.

On occasions some flexibility will be required in this role which may include working evening hours with prior notice. You may also be required to attend our head office for training.

The Forward Trust does not accept CV's from recruiters or employment agencies in relation to this vacancy. The Forward Trust reserves the right not to consider any unsolicited CV's and will not liable for any referral compensation or recruiter fees for this vacancy.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

This role is primarily responsible for the development and management of the Peer Mentor service and social inclusion category, whilst actively promoting this service across the county. You will be required to recruit, train and supervise the peer mentors.

This role will be remote based with the requirement to travel throughout the county meeting service users in custody and upon release from prison; also co-location with probation services across a range of mandated locations. There is an element of working from home.

You will be required to manage a diverse case load with a range of complexities and risk levels . You will be responsible for completing comprehensive assessments, creating a collaborative action plan, maintaining accurate record keeping throughout.

You will be responsible for adhering to the targets set by Forward and the local commissioners. Co-operative working relationships with other partner agencies and probation staff are vital to this role.

Main duties will include:

• Completing comprehensive assessments and managing risks in conjunction with probation
• Creating a collaborative action plan
• Promote, recruit, train and supervise peer mentors
• Effectively assign peer mentors to clients using robust risk assessing
• Maintaining accurate record keeping throughout
• Review ongoing support by liaising closely with other agencies, namely probation services.
• Meet required KPI’s to corresponding deadlines

• Knowledge of the issues facing service users in the criminal justice sector.
• Experience of managing peer mentors and/or volunteers
• Demonstrable experience of managing caseloads, carrying out risk/ comprehensive assessments, SMART action plans and effective case records
• Ability to recruit, supervise, coordinate and deliver training to peer mentors and/or volunteers
• Experience of delivering both 1:1 and group-work interventions using motivational techniques
• Knowledge of and commitment to the process of reducing re-offending
• Have the ability to organise workload , ensuring effective time management and prioritisation to meet targets
• Ability to work in fast paced changing environment
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with effective listening skills
• Quick thinking with a high level use of initiative
• A relevant qualification in criminal justice/social care or relevant experience in a comparable role

• Training opportunities and career development
• Flexible working
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• 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)
• Simply Health Benefits (optional)
• Electric car/bike scheme
• Crisis loan
• Enhanced sick pay policy
• Bluelight card discounts

Peer Coordinator - Probation Services (PWB) - Job Description