At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery by coordinating peer-led support networks.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity focused on positive change in the prison community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong communication skills, and experience in health or recovery.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Overview
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Peer Support Coordinator to join our Integrated Substance Misuse Service at HMP The Mount. This full‑time role (35 hours per week) focuses on supporting individuals affected by drug and alcohol use, developing peer‑led support networks to promote recovery, wellbeing and positive outcomes across the prison community.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, train and support Peer Supporters and Health & Wellbeing Champions
- Coordinate and oversee peer‑led interventions across the prison
- Build positive relationships with service users and support their recovery journey
- Promote health, wellbeing and resilience through person‑centred approaches
- Work closely with prison staff and healthcare colleagues to improve service delivery
- Champion the service, increase engagement and raise awareness throughout the prison
- Monitor outcomes, maintain accurate records and contribute to service improvement
Qualifications
- Passion for supporting people to achieve positive change
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
- Ability to motivate, engage and inspire others
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Experience working in health, wellbeing, recovery, criminal justice or a related environment
- Confidence working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- A proactive approach with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Commitment to promoting recovery, wellbeing and person‑centred support
Benefits
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata for part‑time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with length of service) plus bank holidays
- Contributory pension scheme with employer contributions up to 6 % in the first two years and up to 9 % thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2× annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon successful completion of both checks. Please note that if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer. We are a registered charity and an equal opportunity employer.
Peer Support Coordinator - HMP The Mount in Hemel Hempstead employer: The Forward Trust
At HMP The Mount, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our Peer Support Coordinator role offers not only competitive benefits such as flexible working hours and extensive training opportunities but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals on their recovery journey. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and professional growth, we are committed to empowering our staff to thrive both personally and professionally within the prison community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Coordinator - HMP The Mount in Hemel Hempstead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Forward Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Forward Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Forward Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Forward Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Coordinator - HMP The Mount in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Forward Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Forward Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
