Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent

Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent

Part-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals in the Criminal Justice system to strengthen family ties and enhance wellbeing.
  • Company: Join The Forward Trust, a mission-driven social enterprise making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture with a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Empower change and make a meaningful impact in people's lives every day.
  • Qualifications: Client-centred, organised, and confident in group facilitation.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

As a Family Connections Worker based in Kent, you’ll work 17.5 hours per week, primarily remotely, as part of a flexible team delivering Forward Trust’s Family & Significant Others interventions within the wider Personal Wellbeing Service. You’ll support adult and young men across the Criminal Justice system to strengthen family relationships, build resilience, and improve overall wellbeing.

What you’ll do:

  • Deliver tailored 1:1 and group interventions under the Family & Significant Others framework
  • Carry out risk, initial and comprehensive assessments
  • Manage a diverse caseload, creating care plans that put clients at the centre
  • Work collaboratively with partner agencies, Probation, and the wider Interventions Alliance team
  • Contribute to KPIs, targets, and outcome reporting
  • Maintain high standards of safeguarding, risk management, and record keeping

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

  • Are client-centred, organised, and confident facilitating groups
  • Enjoy working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Can adapt to flexible working needs, including occasional evenings/weekends
  • Are comfortable travelling within your cluster when needed (with notice)
  • Handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity

You’ll be part of a mission-driven team focused on creating positive change, with scope to innovate, collaborate, and make a meaningful difference every day. If you’re passionate about supporting change, strengthening family connections, and empowering individuals on their journey, we’d 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.

Benefits:

  • 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)

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. Please note that some of our roles may require a minimum period of sustained recovery (normally around 3 years). This is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis, and exceptions may be considered depending on the role and individual circumstances. 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.

To find out more about Forward’s commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy click here. 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.

Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent employer: Forward Trust

The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome the challenges of crime and addiction. Located in Hertfordshire, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive training and development opportunities. Our commitment to social impact, combined with family-friendly policies and a collaborative environment, makes us an ideal place for passionate professionals looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

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Contact Details:

Forward Trust Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent

✨Get Involved in Community Events

Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Forward Trust, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!

✨Join Social Work Networks

Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Forward Trust. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!

✨Make Your Passion Shine

When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!

✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards

Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Forward Trust's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!

We think you need these skills to ace Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Teamwork
Time Management
Flexibility
Compassion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Forward Trust. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.

Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.

Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Forward Trust.

How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust

✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others

In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Forward Trust.

✨Know Your Social Work Theories

You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent at Forward Trust.

✨Flexibility and Availability are Key

As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.

✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion

Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Forward Trust that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Family Connections Worker (Probation Services) - Kent role.