At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in the criminal justice system with drug and alcohol issues.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse team culture and commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on people's lives and help them rebuild.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable adults or in health/social care settings.
Location: Southend on Sea
Salary: £24,960 - £26,000
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Closing date: 18th May 2026
Looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference? We’re 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.
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
- 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 Southend-on-Sea 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 Criminal Justice Worker in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 Forward Trust and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you're not just looking for any job, but this job!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to supporting vulnerable adults and managing caseloads. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Worker in Southend-on-Sea
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 vulnerable adults and how your experiences align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience in criminal justice or support work. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of risk assessments and case management.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make 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 key responsibilities of a Criminal Justice Worker. Familiarise yourself with concepts like harm reduction, recovery-focused support, and the importance of building relationships with clients and partner agencies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience supporting vulnerable adults or working in criminal justice settings. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, managed a caseload, or collaborated with other professionals. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be open about your motivations for wanting to help others and how your values align with those of The Forward Trust. A compassionate and solution-focused approach will resonate well with the interviewers and highlight your suitability for the role.
