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- Tasks: Support clients through detox and recovery in a compassionate, hands-on role.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse services and a proactive, compassionate approach.
Location: Chelmsford
Salary: £24,071 - £25,674 pro rata
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time (23 hours per week)
Closing Date: 2nd of June 2026
Make a real difference where it matters most. We’re looking for a compassionate, motivated Health Care Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality care within a residential detox and recovery service based at HMP Chelmsford. This is a part-time role (23 hours per week), offering a hands-on opportunity to support clients through medical detox and recovery, promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. You’ll work within an integrated healthcare framework, supporting individuals at a critical point in their recovery journey, alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting nursing and medical staff to deliver care to clients undergoing medical detox, including those with complex needs
- Monitoring and reporting on physical, mental and psychological wellbeing
- Providing 1:1 support, brief crisis interventions, and contributing to community and conduct meetings
- Supporting safe medicines management and maintaining accurate electronic records
- Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team
- Promoting a safe, caring environment and escalating safeguarding or risk concerns
What we’re looking for:
- Experience within substance misuse services and/or residential settings
- Understanding of the impact of addiction on individuals and communities
- Knowledge of the 12 Step recovery model (minimum 3 years’ abstinence if in recovery)
- A compassionate, proactive approach and strong teamwork skills
- Commitment to safeguarding, infection control and best practice care
If you’re passionate about recovery-focused nursing and want to make a tangible impact in a unique and challenging environment, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
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 and 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
- BHSF 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)
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Health Care Assistant - HMP Chelmsford employer: Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health Care Assistant - HMP Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the healthcare field, especially those who work in similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Forward Trust and understanding their mission. Show us that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to healthcare and addiction support. We want to see your compassionate side, so think of examples from your experience that highlight your skills and dedication.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at HMP Chelmsford.
We think you need these skills to ace Health Care Assistant - HMP Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion: In your application, let us see your compassionate side! Share experiences that highlight your empathy and understanding, especially in challenging situations. This role is all about supporting individuals through tough times, so make sure we feel your passion for helping others.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that match the Health Care Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in substance misuse services or residential settings, as this will really catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid fluff – we want to know why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our amazing team at The Forward Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Health Care Assistant, especially in a detox and recovery setting. Familiarise yourself with the 12 Step recovery model and be ready to discuss how addiction impacts individuals and communities.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role requires a compassionate approach, so think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and support. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to creating a safe and caring environment for clients.
✨Teamwork is Key
Highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Think of specific instances where you've worked collaboratively with others, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you can integrate well into their multidisciplinary team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle crisis situations or monitor wellbeing. Practice your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your proactive approach and commitment to safeguarding.