At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals reintegrating into the community with tailored care plans and guidance.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Use your lived experience to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health, substance misuse, or criminal justice systems is essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to employee wellbeing and growth.
The predicted salary is between 24484 - 24484 £ per year.
Location: Buckinghamshire
Salary: £24,484 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: 10th December 2025
At Forward Trust, equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission. Our NHS-commissioned RECONNECT service proudly recruits individuals with lived experience of physical or mental ill health, substance misuse, or the criminal justice system. Your insight will strengthen the support we provide, and we are looking for someone who can bring that valuable experience into this essential role.
About the Role
As a RECONNECT Peer Support Worker, you will deliver a comprehensive, inclusive and bespoke service to clients across HMP Bedford, HMP Woodhill, Yarl's Wood IRC and the wider Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire community, with some remote working. You will help people preparing to leave custody connect with the right support, whether that is mental or physical health care, substance use interventions, or broader wellbeing guidance. The service includes mentor linking, signposting, GP referrals, aftercare, and connecting clients to the wider Forward Trust community. Working with referrals received 12 weeks prior to release, you will complete robust assessments, identify individual needs and co-produce personalised care plans centred on each client.
Key Responsibilities
- Process referrals, complete in-depth assessments, and update referrers on outcomes.
- Create bespoke care plans and provide up to 6 months post-release support focused on health and wellbeing needs.
- Manage a diverse caseload, supporting reintegration and engagement with community healthcare.
- Assist the Team Leader with recruiting and training prison peer supporters.
- Build strong partnerships with external agencies and maintain clear referral pathways (OMiC, families, prison staff, healthcare).
- Maintain high-quality admin and record-keeping, including case notes, assessments, care plans and risk assessments.
- Ensure safe, holistic service delivery and actively contribute to team risk assessments and best-practice sharing.
- Make referrals to the Forward Trust Meet and Greet service and support Meet at the Gate releases.
- Ensure service users are connected with local support services ahead of release.
If you are ready to use your lived experience to support people reintegrating into the community and rebuilding their lives, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
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. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing of the employees who work for us are also important.
Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- 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
The Forward Trust commits to providing opportunities to everyone. We want to ensure we have a diverse team with a range of lived and professional experiences. This includes those with 'Lived Experience' of addiction, offending, or homelessness. When we recruit, we welcome applications from everyone. This is inclusive of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity and socio-economic background. Where operationally possible, we will consider flexible working requests and make reasonable adjustments for all roles.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work
We recognise the importance of safeguarding, dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview. If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the 'Eligibility to Work in the UK' requirements.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Forward Trust, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
RECONNECT peer support worker in Milton Keynes) employer: Ad Warrior Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ad Warrior Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RECONNECT peer support worker in Milton Keynes)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those who work at Forward Trust or similar organisations. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to peer support roles. Think about your own experiences and how they relate to the job. We want to hear your story!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported someone in need. This will highlight your lived experience and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Forward Trust team.
We think you need these skills to ace RECONNECT peer support worker in Milton Keynes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your lived experience and how it shapes your approach to supporting others. Don’t hold back on sharing your story!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the RECONNECT Peer Support Worker role. Highlight relevant experiences that align with the job description, especially those that showcase your ability to connect with clients and provide support.
Showcase Your Skills: Use your application to demonstrate the skills that make you a great fit for this role. Whether it's your ability to manage a caseload or your experience in creating care plans, we want to know how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ad Warrior Ltd
✨Know Your Story
As a RECONNECT Peer Support Worker, your lived experience is invaluable. Be ready to share your personal journey and how it relates to the role. This will not only demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by clients but also show your passion for helping others.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Service
Take some time to research the Forward Trust and its RECONNECT service. Understand their mission, values, and the specific support they provide. This knowledge will help you answer questions more effectively and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various situations that may arise in the role. Think about potential challenges clients might face and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully partnered with others, especially in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external agencies.