Are you passionate about supporting recovery, improving wellbeing, and helping people make positive change?
We’re looking for a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to join our team delivering recovery-focused substance misuse services at HMP Coldingley in Bisley, Surrey.
This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) working within a supportive, multi-disciplinary team delivering trauma-informed and gender-responsive interventions. The service operates 7 days a week, so weekend working will form part of a rota.
At Forward Trust, we deliver integrated clinical and psychosocial substance misuse services across Surrey prisons in partnership with NHS healthcare providers. Our approach focuses on recovery, partnership working, and tailored interventions that support individuals both in custody and as they transition back into the community.
About the role
As a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you’ll work directly with adult men in custody who may present with substance misuse needs and low-level mental health concerns. You’ll manage a varied caseload and play a key role in supporting service users on their recovery journey.
Your work will include:
- Managing a caseload and delivering person-centred support plans
- Completing initial and comprehensive assessments
- Delivering structured 1-to-1 interventions and group programmes
- Providing harm reduction advice and recovery guidance
- Supporting release planning and through-care into the community
- Carrying out second signatory duties to support clinical services
- Working closely with prison, healthcare and mental health partners
- Maintaining accurate and timely case records and outcome data
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who is organised, compassionate, and motivated to work in a challenging but highly rewarding environment.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Experience working in substance misuse, criminal justice, health, or social care settings
- Experience managing caseloads and delivering structured interventions
- Strong communication and partnership working skills
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- Confidence using IT systems and case management databases
- A proactive and solution-focused approach
Training and development
To support your professional growth, you’ll complete the Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Programme (DAWFDP) – a structured 12-month development programme aligned to the national capability framework and an essential part of the role.
We believe in investing in our people and creating environments where staff feel supported and valued. You’ll be part of a team committed to recovery, innovation, and making a lasting impact.
This is a unique opportunity to build your career while helping people rebuild their lives.
Please see attached Job Description for full details
All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.
Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.