At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with drug and alcohol issues through assessments, interventions, and group sessions.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to breaking cycles of crime and addiction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Enhanced DBS checks required; be prepared for a thorough vetting process.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: A level 3 counselling qualification and experience in substance misuse services are essential.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 30000 £ per year.
Health and Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Brixton - Brixton
Permanent27000
Are you passionate about recovery, resilience, and making a real impact?
Join our Substance Misuse Service at HMP Brixton, delivering life-changing psychosocial interventions within an integrated healthcare model known as New Models of Care (NMOC).
Based on site in a mens Category C resettlement prison, youll work as part of a skilled, multidisciplinary team supporting adults experiencing drug and/or alcohol misuse, helping them stabilise, recover, and prepare for release.
About the role
As a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, youll deliver recovery-orientated, trauma-informed interventions across the prison, including Early Days in Custody (EDiC), planned and unscheduled care, and release and resettlement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of service users
- Completing assessments and care plans
- Delivering structured 1:1 and group interventions
- Providing harm reduction advice and guidance
- Contributing to accredited treatment programmes (where relevant)
- Working closely with healthcare, probation, housing, employment, gym and external drug services to support through-care and resettlement
- Supporting service targets set by Forward and local commissioners
What youll need
- A commitment to recovery-focused, trauma-informed practice
- Confidence working with individuals presenting substance misuse and low-level mental health needs
- Willingness to complete the Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Programme, a mandatory 12-month professional development programme aligned with the OHID capability framework
If youre motivated, compassionate, and ready to make a difference in a challenging but rewarding environment, wed love to hear from you.
Please see attached Job Description for full details
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)
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.
To find out more about Forwards commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy clickhere .
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.
Health and Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Brixton - Brixton 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 Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Brixton - Brixton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals in prison, particularly those related to substance misuse. Understanding the unique environment of HMP Brixton and the services offered will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of health and wellbeing, especially those who have experience working within the criminal justice system. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to client-centred treatment and how you would implement harm reduction strategies. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to manage caseloads and deliver effective interventions.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Forward Trust's mission and values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Brixton - Brixton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Health and Wellbeing Practitioner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant experience you have in substance misuse services, counselling, or working within the criminal justice sector. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of Forward Trust's mission and values. Explain how your background aligns with their goals of supporting individuals affected by addiction and re-offending.
Proofread Your Documents:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the role, especially in relation to drug and alcohol services.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience in the criminal justice sector and any work you've done with substance misusers. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully implemented care plans or facilitated group sessions, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the Recovery Agenda and current best practices in substance misuse treatment. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in a prison setting and how it can benefit the clients you'll be working with.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, particularly when discussing past experiences related to client care and teamwork.
