Forward Trust is looking for a motivated and compassionate Recovery Navigator to join our London Dependency and Recovery Service, supporting men on probation to engage with substance misuse treatment and make positive changes in their lives.
Working as part of a flexible, multi-disciplinary team, you will help bridge the gap between probation services and community-based substance misuse support. You will work directly with adult male prison leavers and individuals serving community orders, helping them overcome barriers to treatment, engage with existing services and progress on their recovery journey.
You will manage a diverse caseload, complete comprehensive assessments, develop collaborative action plans and deliver one-to-one, group and virtual interventions. Through practical assistance, advocacy, advice and ongoing motivational support, you will empower individuals to better understand and manage their dependency and recovery needs.
This is a predominantly in-person role, with day-to-day work across probation delivery units in the boroughs listed above. You will need to be flexible and adaptable, as occasional travel to other areas of London or attendance at head office for training and support may be required.
What you will be doing
- Managing a caseload: Support adult male prison leavers and individuals on community orders, helping them work towards their recovery goals and implement their agreed action plans.
- Completing assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify individual needs, barriers to engagement and appropriate recovery support.
- Developing action plans: Work collaboratively with individuals to create personalised action plans that promote recovery, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
- Providing practical support: Help individuals complete referral forms, make phone calls, access services and overcome barriers that may prevent them from engaging with treatment.
- Advocating for service users: Liaise with healthcare providers, probation staff and community organisations, including attending appointments and advocating on behalf of individuals where needed.
- Delivering interventions: Provide motivational, time-bound and structured interventions through one-to-one sessions, group work and virtual appointments.
- Offering advice and guidance: Share information and practical guidance in accessible ways, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and take positive steps towards recovery.
- Promoting treatment engagement: Encourage individuals to access and remain engaged with existing substance misuse treatment services and other appropriate community support.
- Supporting recovery and rehabilitation: Help individuals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their dependency and recovery needs, with the aim of reducing reoffending.
- Working collaboratively: Build and maintain strong working relationships with probation practitioners, substance misuse services and other partner agencies.
- Maintaining accurate records: Complete assessments, document interventions and maintain clear, accurate records in line with organisational and commissioner requirements.
- Meeting service targets: Work towards agreed performance targets and deliver a high-quality, person-centred service that meets local commissioning requirements.
- Working flexibly: Travel across designated probation delivery units and, when required, support colleagues and service delivery in other areas of London.
- Sharing expertise: Contribute to team learning and best practice, with opportunities to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as the needs of diverse communities or specific vulnerabilities, including chemsex.
What we are looking for
- A compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to supporting people experiencing substance dependency and other complex challenges.
- Experience of supporting people with multiple needs, particularly in substance misuse, recovery, criminal justice, probation, health or social care settings.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships and engage individuals who may be reluctant to access support.
- The ability to motivate and empower individuals to take responsibility for their recovery and work towards meaningful, achievable goals.
- Experience of, or an aptitude for, completing assessments, developing support plans and delivering structured one-to-one or group interventions.
- Strong advocacy and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to challenge barriers and help individuals navigate complex services.
- The ability to work collaboratively with probation staff, treatment providers and a wide range of external agencies.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing demands and maintain accurate records.
- A flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team across different locations.
- An understanding of the challenges associated with substance dependency, recovery and the transition from prison into the community.
- A commitment to inclusive, person-centred practice that recognises individual circumstances, vulnerabilities and support needs.
- The ability to maintain professional boundaries, follow safeguarding procedures and work in line with risk management requirements.
- A commitment to reducing reoffending by helping individuals access appropriate treatment, sustain engagement and build more positive futures.
- A willingness to develop specialist knowledge and share best practice to support colleagues and improve service delivery.
Working pattern
- Predominantly Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm.
- Hybrid working model, with the role primarily delivered in person across the designated probation delivery units.
- Travel across Ealing & Hillingdon, Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster.
- Occasional flexibility to work in other areas of London and attend head office for training or additional support.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference by helping people overcome barriers to recovery, engage with appropriate treatment and build a more positive future.
If you are passionate about supporting people to make lasting changes, improving access to recovery services and helping reduce reoffending, we would love to hear from you.