At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey and bridge gaps in probation services.
- Company: Join Forward Trust, a leader in Dependency and Recovery Services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse or related support roles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Overview
We're looking for a Recovery Navigator to join Forward Trust's Dependency and Recovery Services.
This frontline role works within probation delivery units across East London (Newham, Redbridge & Waltham Forest, Barking, Dagenham & Havering), bridging the gap between probation services and substance misuse treatment.
It involves carrying a diverse caseload of men on probation, including prison leavers and those on community orders, to engage in recovery, reduce reoffending, and build more stable lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete comprehensive assessments and create collaborative SMART action plans.
- Deliver 1:1 and group interventions, both in‑person and virtually, to empower individuals on their recovery journey.
- Provide practical support and advocacy – attending appointments, helping with referrals, and making calls on behalf of clients.
- Offer clear advice and information in accessible ways to enable informed choices.
- Support individuals with varying complexity of needs – from highly motivated clients maintaining recovery to those with dual diagnosis and low engagement.
- Build strong partnerships with probation staff, treatment providers and other agencies to ensure continuity of care.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records, ensuring all work aligns with commissioner targets.
- Develop as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in specific areas such as BAME communities or chemsex support (optional).
- Work primarily Monday‑Friday, 9‑5, with occasional flexibility and travel to Forward Trust's head office.
- Required Experience and Skills
- Strong experience in substance misuse field or significant related support role.
- Proven ability to manage high caseloads, carry out comprehensive risk assessments and SMART action plans.
- Experience delivering 1:1 and group interventions using motivational and trauma‑informed approaches.
- Experience working with treatment and/or healthcare services.
- Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload and meet targets.
- Excellent communication skills with sensitivity, professionalism, and the ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
- Experience working in partnership with probation, criminal justice or other statutory agencies.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
- Knowledge of continuity of care, holistic recovery needs, and community support services.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, confidentiality, GDPR, and safeguarding best practice.
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 for part‑time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with length of service)
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in first two years' service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2× annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land North East Recovery Navigator in Ilford
✨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 North East Recovery Navigator in Ilford
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.
