At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey and reduce reoffending through tailored interventions.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to breaking cycles of crime and addiction.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to specialise in areas like BAME communities or chemsex support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse or related support roles, strong communication, and organisational skills.
We’re looking for a Recovery Navigator to join Forward Trust’s Dependency and Recovery Services. This is a frontline role working within probation delivery units across East London (Newham, Redbridge & Waltham Forest, Barking, Dagenham & Havering), bridging the gap between probation services and substance misuse treatment. You’ll carry a diverse caseload of men on probation including prison leavers and those on community orders supporting them to engage in recovery, reduce reoffending, and build more stable lives.
The role involves:
- Completing comprehensive assessments and creating collaborative SMART action plans.
- Delivering 1:1 and group interventions, both in-person and virtually, to empower individuals on their recovery journey.
- Providing practical support and advocacy – from attending appointments to helping with referrals and making calls on behalf of clients.
- Offering clear advice and information in accessible ways to enable informed choices.
- Supporting individuals with varying complexity of needs – from highly motivated clients maintaining recovery to those with dual diagnosis and low engagement.
- Building strong partnerships with probation staff, treatment providers and other agencies to ensure continuity of care.
- Maintaining accurate and timely case records, ensuring all work aligns with commissioner targets.
- Some Recovery Navigators will also have the opportunity to develop as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in specific areas such as BAME communities or chemsex support, providing expertise to the wider team.
- This role is predominately Monday–Friday, 9–5, though some flexibility may be required to meet client needs. Occasional travel to Forward Trust’s head office may be needed for training or support.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong experience in the substance misuse field, or significant experience working in a related support role.
- Proven ability to manage high caseloads, carrying out comprehensive risk assessments and SMART action plans.
- Experience delivering 1:1 and group interventions using motivational and trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience of working with treatment and/or healthcare services.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
- Excellent communication skills with people from a wide range of backgrounds, delivered with sensitivity and professionalism.
- Experience working in partnership with probation, criminal justice or other statutory agencies.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet targets.
- Knowledge and understanding of continuity of care, holistic recovery needs, and community support services.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, confidentiality, GDPR, and safeguarding best practice.
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
- 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)
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.
North East Recovery Navigator in London employer: Forward Trust
At Forward Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering our employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Located in East London, our team enjoys a range of benefits including generous annual leave, wellbeing days, and a contributory pension scheme, all aimed at ensuring our staff feel valued and motivated in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land North East Recovery Navigator in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Forward Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Forward Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Forward Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Forward Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace North East Recovery Navigator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Forward Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Forward Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
