At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women in custody with substance misuse and mental health challenges through personalised care.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on lives while building healthier futures for women in prison.
- Qualifications: Experience in health, social care, or criminal justice; strong communication skills required.
Location: Sutton
Salary: £27,857.14 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent
About The Role
Looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference every day? Join The Forward Trust as a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner based at HMP Downview in Sutton, working full-time (37.5 hours per week). As part of our integrated Health & Wellbeing team, you'll support women in custody to overcome substance misuse and low-level mental health challenges through trauma-informed, gender-responsive care, helping them build healthier futures both in prison and as they prepare for release.
What you'll be doing:
- Managing a varied caseload and delivering personalised recovery plans.
- Carrying out assessments and risk assessments to support treatment journeys.
- Providing structured 1:1 interventions and facilitating group sessions.
- Offering harm reduction advice and practical wellbeing support.
- Supporting release planning and through-the-gate continuity of care.
- Working closely with healthcare, mental health and prison colleagues.
- Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service performance targets.
- Undertaking second signatory duties and supporting clinical colleagues where required.
What we're looking for:
- Passion for supporting people to achieve positive change.
- Experience working within substance misuse, mental health, criminal justice or health and social care settings.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and prioritise effectively.
- A collaborative, solution-focused approach with excellent record-keeping skills.
The Forward Trust delivers integrated clinical and psychosocial substance misuse services across Surrey prisons in partnership with NHS healthcare providers. Our teams work within a trauma-informed, recovery-focused framework, delivering compassionate, person-centred support tailored to each individual's needs.
If you're passionate about supporting people to make lasting positive change, 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)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health & Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Downview in Kent, Sutton
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Forward Trust. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Forward Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Health & Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Downview in Kent, Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Forward Trust:Take some time to research Forward Trust and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Forward Trust's values and approach.
