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 with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable adults and understanding of case management.
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
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 Essex employer: Forward Trust
At Forward Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable adults. Located in Southend-on-Sea, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible working arrangements and wellbeing initiatives. Join us in delivering life-changing services while enjoying a fulfilling career that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Worker in Essex
✨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; you're passionate 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.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in Southend-on-Sea.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Worker in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to make a difference in the lives of those involved in the criminal justice system.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting vulnerable adults or working in similar settings. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of risk assessments and case management.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience supporting vulnerable adults or working in similar settings. Use specific examples to highlight how you've built positive relationships with clients and partner agencies. This will demonstrate your ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
✨Be Solution-Focused
During the interview, emphasise your proactive and compassionate approach. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, particularly in risk assessments and case management. This will illustrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.
✨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. Consider asking about the support available for staff and opportunities for professional development.
