Lived Experience Co-ordinator - North London

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been helping 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.

Forward Trust deliver Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), directly for HMPPS. Currently we deliver Accommodation, Dependency and Recovery and Personal Wellbeing. Accommodation is delivered in Dyfed-Powys, South Wales and Gwent. Dependency and Recovery in London and Yorkshire and The Humber. Personal Wellbeing in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey; and as a subcontractor in Kent and Cheshire.

What you will be doing?

As a Lived Experience Co-Ordinator in the Dependency and Recovery Service, you will be working within a hybrid model as part of a flexible, multi-disciplinary team. You will be predominately working with males 26yrs + within our in-person service, co-ordinating a meet and greet service upon release from prison and also supporting clients on probation in the community.

You will need to be confident working autonomously and representing the Dependency and Recovery Services.

This role is primarily responsible for the development and management of our Lived Experience peer mentor/volunteer service. You will be required to recruit, train and supervise day to day management of peer mentor/volunteers.

You will also co-ordinate team meetings,  update training and provide supervision for peer mentor/volunteers and where applicable support with Level 2 peer mentoring qualification.

You will carry a diverse caseload, navigating client’s recovery journey, providing support/continuity of contact and signposting. You will be responsible for completing comprehensive assessments, collaborative action plan, whilst maintaining accurate record keeping throughout on electronic case management systems. Our model is a blended approach of 1:1 and group work, face-to-face and virtual.

You will be responsible for adhering to the targets set by Forward and the local commissioners. Co-operative working relationships with other partner agencies and probation staff are vital to this role.

Some degree of flexibility may be required for out of office work, but this is a predominately Mon -Fri 09:00-17:00 role.

You may at times be required to attend our head office for training , community hubs for team mtgs and attend local and Forward events to promote the Lived Experience Network.

What we are looking for?

• Knowledge of the issues facing service users in the criminal justice sector
• Previous experience of providing a peer support service to this or a similar client group or working closely with volunteers
• Demonstrable experience of managing high caseloads, carrying out risk/ comprehensive assessments, SMART action plans and effective case records
• Experience of delivering both 1:1 and group-work interventions using motivational techniques
• Experience of providing training and support for peer support services to prisoners, or those with drug or alcohol problems
• The ability to set and stick to professional boundaries and manage risks
• Ability to work effectively with key partners in order to successfully deliver projects
• Demonstrate the ability to organise workload , ensuring effective time management and prioritisation to meet targets
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equal opportunity and GDPR requirements including client confidentiality
• Experience of strong communication skills with people from a range of backgrounds in a sensitive, supportive and professional manner
• Proactivity – Quick thinking with a high level use of initiative
• Resilience – Solves problems, takes learning on board from mistakes to aid personal and professional growth
• Adaptability – Can work in fast-paced changing environments
• Confidence – Has confidence in own abilities, has good eye contact and able to communicate clearly and concisely
• Team Work – Works in harmony with colleagues to deliver results
• Open to Feedback - Open to constructive feedback in order to further develop
• A relevant qualification in criminal justice/social care or relevant experience in a comparable role

What we offer

• Training opportunities and career development
• Flexible working
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)