At a Glance
- Tasks: Support recovery and wellbeing for individuals with substance misuse needs in a prison setting.
- Company: Join Forward Trust, a leader in integrated health and wellbeing services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to innovation and recovery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in health, social care, or substance misuse preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27857 - 27857 £ per year.
Location: Bisley, Woking
Salary: £27,857.14 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Are you passionate about supporting recovery, improving wellbeing, and helping people make positive change? We are looking for a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to join our team delivering recovery-focused substance misuse services at HMP Coldingley in Bisley, Surrey. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) working within a supportive, multi-disciplinary team delivering trauma-informed and gender-responsive interventions. The service operates 7 days a week, so weekend working will form part of a rota.
At Forward Trust, we deliver integrated clinical and psychosocial substance misuse services across Surrey prisons in partnership with NHS healthcare providers. Our approach focuses on recovery, partnership working, and tailored interventions that support individuals both in custody and as they transition back into the community.
About the role
As a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you will work directly with adult men in custody who may present with substance misuse needs and low-level mental health concerns. You will manage a varied caseload and play a key role in supporting service users on their recovery journey. Your work will include:
- Managing a caseload and delivering person-centred support plans
- Completing initial and comprehensive assessments
- Delivering structured 1-to-1 interventions and group programmes
- Providing harm reduction advice and recovery guidance
- Supporting release planning and through-care into the community
- Carrying out second signatory duties to support clinical services
- Working closely with prison, healthcare and mental health partners
- Maintaining accurate and timely case records and outcome data
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who is organised, compassionate, and motivated to work in a challenging but highly rewarding environment. You’ll ideally bring:
- Experience working in substance misuse, criminal justice, health, or social care settings
- Experience managing caseloads and delivering structured interventions
- Strong communication and partnership working skills
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- Confidence using IT systems and case management databases
- A proactive and solution-focused approach
Training and development
To support your professional growth, you will complete the Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Programme (DAWFDP), a structured 12-month development programme aligned to the national capability framework and an essential part of the role. We believe in investing in our people and creating environments where staff feel supported and valued. You’ll be part of a team committed to recovery, innovation, and making a lasting impact. This is a unique opportunity to build your career while helping people rebuild their lives.
All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks. Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.
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)
Substance Misuse Recovery Practitioner employer: Broughton Group
At Forward Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Health and Wellbeing Practitioners. Located in Bisley, Woking, our team is committed to professional development through structured training programmes, including the Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Programme, ensuring that you have the tools to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. With a focus on recovery and wellbeing, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a range of benefits designed to support your health and career growth, making us a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Substance Misuse Recovery Practitioner
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Broughton Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Broughton Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Broughton Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Broughton Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Substance Misuse Recovery Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Broughton Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Broughton Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
