At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in the criminal justice system with drug and alcohol issues.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Forward Trust making real change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable adults or in health/social care settings.
The predicted salary is between 24960 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Southend on Sea
Salary: £24,960 - £26,000
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Closing date: 18th May 2026
Looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference? We are seeking a passionate Criminal Justice Worker based in Southend-on-Sea, working full time (35 hours per week), to support adults aged 18+ involved in the criminal justice system who need help with drug and/or alcohol use. You'll work within an integrated healthcare framework delivering person-centred psychosocial interventions, harm reduction and recovery-focused support. This is a rewarding opportunity to help people rebuild their lives while working closely with courts, probation, healthcare teams and community partners.
What You'll Be Doing
- Deliver assessments, care planning and tailored interventions for service users
- Provide 1:1 harm reduction and recovery support
- Advise magistrates and probation teams on suitability for ATRs and DRRs
- Manage a varied caseload, ensuring timely and effective support
- Work collaboratively with GPs, prisons, probation and external agencies
- Support clients with housing, benefits, training and employment referrals
- Maintain accurate case notes, reports and performance data
- Contribute to service targets, outcomes and continuous improvement
What We're Looking For
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults or working in criminal justice, substance misuse or health/social care settings
- Strong understanding of risk assessments, safeguarding and case management
- Ability to build positive relationships with clients and partner agencies
- Organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities
- Confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records
- A proactive, compassionate and solution-focused approach
Be part of a supportive team delivering life-changing services to those who need them most. If you're motivated by helping others create safer, healthier futures, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and make an impact in Southend-on-Sea.
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)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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. We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work
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.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. Forward Trust follow safer recruitment practices and support a culture of openness and accountability.
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.
Criminal Justice Worker in Colchester employer: Forward Trust
At Forward Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Southend-on-Sea, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, while our flexible working arrangements and generous benefits package, including wellbeing days and a contributory pension scheme, ensure a healthy work-life balance. Join us in delivering life-changing services and be part of a diverse team committed to helping individuals rebuild their lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Worker in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the criminal justice field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting vulnerable adults. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to risk assessments and case management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
✨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 our team and making an impact in Southend-on-Sea.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Worker in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Criminal Justice Worker role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable adults and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through in your application. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to supporting individuals in the criminal justice system. We love to see genuine motivation!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, especially regarding substance misuse. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in harm reduction and recovery support. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported vulnerable adults or worked in similar settings. Highlight your ability to build relationships and manage caseloads effectively. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Be Solution-Focused
During the interview, demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving. Discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you plan to support clients in overcoming their barriers. This aligns perfectly with the compassionate nature of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their approach to client care.
