Recovery Housing Support Worker

We are looking for a Recovery Housing Support Worker. This is an exciting new opportunity to join our team.

We are The Forward Trust, 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.

Some of the main responsibilities include: 

• To provide a comprehensive, inclusive, and bespoke Recovery Housing service, including advice and guidance to Forward Trust clients.
• Conducting robust housing needs assessments to ensure service user needs are identified and a bespoke supportive plan is created with the service user at the centre, including signposting to other internal and external services.
• You will ensure that a holistic service is delivered safely to our clients in line with individual and team targets outlined by the Manager.
• Provide weekly 1-2-1 sessions with each client and keep accurate care plans.
• Develop links with relevant agencies including residential rehabs, supported housing / housing providers, and other local organisations offering volunteering opportunities
• Conduct weekly/monthly health and safety checks in line with policies and procedures
• Develop skills in the collection and recording of data for audit, research and reporting purposes.
• Keep databases 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
• Participate and contribute in key meetings such as team meetings and multi-disciplinary reviews, sharing information appropriately.

For a full list of responsibilities please refer to the Job Specification below. 

• Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice sector and Recovery Agenda.
• Experience of floating support
• A thorough knowledge of the needs of clients who are in abstinence based recovery
• Experience of assessing adults in need of support around substance misuse and maintaining abstinence based recovery
• Experience of substance misuse field and/or experience of working in a related field or similar field
• Demonstrable experience of managing caseloads, carrying out/ completing risk/ comprehensive assessments, SMART action plans and maintaining effective case records
• Experience of delivering both 1:1 and group-work interventions using motivational techniques and trauma informed approaches
• Experience of working effectively with adults experiencing multiple disadvantages; unemployment, homelessness, mental ill health, substance use
• The ability to set and stick to professional boundaries
• An understanding of the needs of clients who are in or working towards recovery
• Understanding of and sensitivity to diversity and equality issues
• Working knowledge of using Microsoft office packages, database monitoring systems and Strong skills in IT communication

• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible working 
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (Optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 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)

Diversity at Forward Trust

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

The closing date for this role is 6th February 2025. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Recovery Housing Specialist JD - Southend ESSEX