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- Tasks: Support individuals in custody with substance misuse issues through tailored interventions.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a charity empowering people to overcome crime and addiction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in psychosocial support and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: We welcome applications from all backgrounds, promoting diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 24400 £ per year.
Health & Wellbeing Practitioner – HMP Aylesbury – Buckinghamshire
Permanent£24,000
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our integrated healthcare team, delivering vital support to adults experiencing drug and alcohol challenges within a criminal justice setting. Working within a holistic Health and Wellbeing framework, you will provide psychosocial substance misuse interventions and accredited treatment programmes to individuals entering prison who are identified as having alcohol or drug-related needs. The service adopts a person-centred approach, offering both harm reduction and abstinence-based treatment pathways tailored to individual recovery goals.
In this role, you will manage a diverse caseload and be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, developing SMART care plans, and delivering structured 1:1 and group interventions. This includes facilitating therapeutic group work and delivering structured treatment programmes where appropriate.
A key aspect of the role is supporting individuals through their recovery journey and preparing them for release. You will work collaboratively with a range of internal and external partners, including housing, employment services, healthcare teams, probation, gym services, and external drug intervention teams to ensure continuity of care.
You will also contribute to service performance targets set by commissioners, with a strong focus on outcomes and recovery progress. Additional responsibilities may include second signatory duties and oral swab testing to complement clinical provision.
Flexibility is essential, as the role may involve evening and weekend work, as well as occasional travel across sites within your service cluster to maintain consistent service delivery.
About You
You are a motivated and empathetic professional with a strong understanding of substance misuse and the complexities faced by individuals within the criminal justice system. You are committed to supporting recovery and empowering individuals to make positive, sustainable changes in their lives.
Essential knowledge and qualifications:
- A good understanding of the criminal justice sector
- Knowledge of the challenges facing individuals with substance misuse issues
- Awareness of recovery-focused approaches and interventions
- Level 3 Counselling qualification
- Relevant counselling experience, ideally within a criminal justice or similar setting
Skills and experience:
- Proven experience working within substance misuse services
- Experience conducting comprehensive assessments and developing SMART care plans
- Ability to deliver structured interventions in both 1:1 and group settings
- Experience facilitating therapeutic group work
- Skilled in motivational interviewing techniques
- Working knowledge of CBT and motivational counselling approaches
- Strong IT and case management skills
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Health & Social Care (or equivalent)
- Recognised counselling qualification (or currently working towards one)
Desirable:
- Knowledge of and commitment to 12-step recovery approaches
- Experience delivering counselling to individuals in prison or those affected by substance misuse
- Lived experience of addiction or the criminal justice system (with appropriate recovery timeframes)
- Previous experience working within prison settings or 12-step programmes
- Experience engaging in and utilising clinical supervision
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
Health & Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Aylesbury - Buckinghamshire employer: The Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
The Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health & Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Aylesbury - Buckinghamshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals in custody, particularly regarding substance misuse. Understanding the unique environment of HMP Aylesbury will help you demonstrate your awareness and readiness to tackle these issues during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in the field of health and wellbeing within secure settings. Engaging with current practitioners can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with psychosocial interventions and care planning in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in similar situations, as this will showcase your practical knowledge and skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your commitment to rehabilitative values and your understanding of harm reduction techniques. This is crucial for the role, so be prepared to articulate how your personal philosophy aligns with the ethos of Forward Trust during your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace Health & Wellbeing Practitioner - HMP Aylesbury - Buckinghamshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Health & Wellbeing Practitioner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly around psychosocial support and substance misuse interventions.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in care planning, assessment, and delivering structured interventions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing caseloads and working within multi-agency teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for empowering others and your commitment to rehabilitative values. Mention how your background aligns with the ethos of Forward Trust and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. 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 understand the responsibilities of a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with psychosocial interventions, harm reduction techniques, and the specific challenges faced by individuals in custody.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in delivering structured interventions and managing caseloads. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully supported individuals with substance misuse issues.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency teams. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and coordinated with other services to support clients' rehabilitation and reintegration.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment
Express your passion for empowering others and your commitment to rehabilitative values. Discuss why you believe in the ethos of Forward Trust and how you can contribute to their mission of helping individuals break the cycles of crime and addiction.