At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals through recovery by facilitating therapy and workshops.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a charity empowering change for those affected by addiction and crime.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while growing professionally in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of addiction, experience with distressed individuals, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 28800 Β£ per year.
Addictions Counsellor - Clouds House
Permanent15,600
Please be advised this is a part-time vacancy 21 hours per week, there is requirement to worktwo weekend days per month
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Addictions Counsellor to join the team at Clouds House, working as part of our integrated One Team approach.
You will deliver safe, effective and person-centred therapeutic interventions to support clients throughout their recovery journey. Working within the Clouds House model, 12 Step-informed principles and trauma-informed practice, you will provide structured individual and group interventions and help clients develop the skills and recovery capital needed to build a sustainable life beyond residential treatment.
Collaboration is at the heart of the role. You will work closely with colleagues across Support, Facilities, Admissions and other multidisciplinary teams to maintain continuity of care and a positive therapeutic environment.
You will also contribute to safeguarding, safe medication processes, infection prevention and control, accurate and timely record keeping, and continuous improvement across the service. You will be expected to uphold Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles and maintain high professional and clinical standards at all times.
About You
You will be a qualified and experienced counsellor with a Level 5 counselling qualification or above and experience working within a residential addiction treatment setting. You will have experience delivering structured individual and group therapeutic interventions and be confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have:
- Experience working within 12 Step residential treatment settings.
- Experience supporting people with complex needs or dual-diagnosis presentations.
- A health or social care qualification.
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
- Excellent communication, teamwork and professional relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, accurate record keeping and professional standards.
- A genuine commitment to supporting people to achieve sustainable recovery and positive change.
Above all, you will share our One Team values, working collaboratively and openly with colleagues and recognising that every interaction contributes to creating a safe, supportive and effective recovery environment.
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
- Support for Families We support our employees through every stage of family life by offering enhanced maternity and paternity pay for eligible employees who have completed 26 weeks' continuous service, alongside family-friendly policies and a supportive, inclusive workplace. If you'd like more information about our family-friendly benefits, please contact our Recruitment Team at
- 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.
Please note that remote roles may require occasional travel for site visits, training and meetings.
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.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 Forwards commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy clickhere .
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.
Addictions Counsellor - Clouds House employer: The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful employment. Located in Medway and Gravesham, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, offering flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and professional development opportunities. Join us to lead a passionate team, make a real difference in the community, and enjoy generous benefits including annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and wellbeing days.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Addictions Counsellor - Clouds House
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the 12-step programme and group therapy techniques. Understanding these methods will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the recovery process.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the addiction counselling field. Attend workshops or seminars related to addiction recovery, as this can provide valuable insights and connections that may lead to job opportunities.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience working with distressed individuals. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've effectively communicated and built rapport with clients in challenging situations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research The Forward Trust and its mission. Understanding their values and approach to addiction recovery will allow you to align your answers during the interview with their organisational goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Addictions Counsellor - Clouds House
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Addictions Counsellor position. Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description, such as group therapy and psychoeducational workshops.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your knowledge of addiction, experience working with distressed individuals, and ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting individuals through recovery. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the Clouds House team and the mission of The Forward Trust.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a counselling role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
β¨Show Your Passion for Recovery
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping individuals through their recovery journey. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
β¨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Addiction
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of addiction and its impacts. Familiarise yourself with current trends and treatment methodologies, as this will show your dedication to the field and your ability to contribute effectively.
β¨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve meaningful outcomes.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving distressed individuals. Think through potential scenarios and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your empathy, problem-solving skills, and ability to maintain professional standards.