At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a network of Peer Support Workers to help people transition from prison to community.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives using your lived experience.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of the criminal justice system and strong communication skills.
- Reconnect Peer Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
- Remote
- Vacancy
Type: Fixed Term About The Role **Please be advised that this a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave** About the Role We're looking for a passionate RECONNECT Peer Coordinator to join our NHS-commissioned RECONNECT service on a maternity cover basis.
This is an exciting opportunity to use your lived experience to help shape and support a service that makes a real difference to people leaving prison.
RECONNECT supports people with identified health needs as they transition from custody back into the community, helping them access the healthcare, wellbeing and support services they need to build healthier, more stable futures.
As our Peer Coordinator, you'll lead and support a network of Peer Support Workers, Peer Mentors and Volunteers across custodial and community settings throughout the East of England.
You'll recruit, train and supervise peers, helping them use their own lived experience to inspire and support others.
Working closely with colleagues and partner organisations, you'll develop volunteering pathways, facilitate training and workshops, coordinate peer activities, and ensure accurate recording of service data.
You'll also play an important role in embedding lived experience throughout the service and creating opportunities for peers to develop and progress within The Forward Trust.
This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll build strong relationships with prisons, healthcare providers and community organisations, helping to deliver high-quality, person-centred support that improves health outcomes and reduces inequalities.
About You We're looking for someone who believes in the power of lived experience and is passionate about supporting others to make positive, lasting change.
You'll have lived experience of the criminal justice system, substance use, and/or physical or mental ill health, together with the confidence and resilience to use your experiences positively within a professional setting.
You'll also have
- Strong IT and administrative skills, with experience maintaining accurate records and databases.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people and partner organisations.
- The ability to motivate, encourage and support others to achieve their goals.
- A flexible, organised approach and the ability to manage a varied workload.
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and delivering person-centred services.
- The ability to represent The Forward Trust professionally and positively.
It would be an advantage if you have experience of working within mental health, substance misuse or wellbeing services, supervising peers or volunteers, facilitating groups, using motivational interviewing techniques, or working within the criminal justice sector, although these are not essential.
If you're passionate about empowering others, championing lived experience and helping people move forward with their lives, 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.
Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important.
- Joining us 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) 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 click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application
Reconnect Peer Coordinator (Maternity Cover) employer: Forward Trust
Forward Trust in Margate is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by empowering job seekers, particularly those facing barriers such as ex-offenders. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal development, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about helping others succeed in their career journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reconnect Peer Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Forward Trust!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Forward Trust that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Reconnect Peer Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Forward Trust. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Forward Trust.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Forward Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Forward Trust resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Reconnect Peer Coordinator (Maternity Cover) position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
