Head of Housing and Recovery Services

The Forward Trust is a social justice charity that helps thousands of people recover from addiction and mental health problems, leave behind crime, and find jobs, homes, and a sense of belonging.

We campaign to change public attitudes and policy so that people, who are often written off by society, can access support that transforms lives. We are proud to be the UK’s leading addiction recovery charity, improving public awareness and understanding, demonstrating the potential of people to recover and rebuild their lives.

Our vision is that anyone – whatever their history or circumstances – gets the opportunity and support to live a positive life that fulfils their potential, and to inspire others to follow the same path.

What you will be doing?

Working for the Executive Director, Recovery (EDREC), is responsible for the Housing departments Vision Housing and Recovery Housing, in addition to the national Recovery Support services including contracted recovery programmes that run in some HMP sites.

The Head of has responsibility for the provision of leadership, direction, and management of a team of Managers to achieve the highest levels of performance to meet and exceed the Trust's quality standards, resulting in unmatched levels of support being provided to the clients within our care.

The Head of Residential Services will work collaboratively with key stakeholders such as Fundraising, Finance, Human Resources, other Heads of Service, Treatment Managers, Service Managers and staff to develop opportunities to enhance the charity’s mission and manage the performance of existing services. 

Key Responsibilities

• Along with the EDREC, set the strategic direction for the Housing and Recovery services to ensure the best service possible is being delivered to clients.
• Line management of, and accountability for Managers within your remit.
• To work closely with key stakeholders, including Fundraising, Clients, Funders, Commissioners and Managers.
• To work collaboratively with other Senior Managers, to provide focus and increased organisational resilience.
• To be responsible for the work of Managers of each service within the directorate and ensure that the strategy and plans for services are effective and of high quality.
• To develop a portfolio of recovery houses in line with the recovery support strategy.
• To oversee the performance management of the services within the area of responsibility.
• Identification of core business opportunities for the promotion of, and development of services across the department, including internal referrals where appropriate.
• To ensure ongoing quality assurance for the services within your remit and the wider organisation.
• To encourage and participate in business and service development where applicable.

What we are looking for?

• Educated to at least degree level in a relevant discipline, or with equivalent related experience
• Strategic experience at a senior level (ideally gained within Housing and Recovery sector with the ability to think ahead, set clear direction and formulate realistic strategic objectives.
• Experience of managing both housing and recovery services.
• Financial planning and 7 figure budget management budget management with ability to analyse, present and articulate financial models.
• Experience of property management.
• Experience of managing and developing a team to achieve excellence and meeting targets.
• Experience of influencing a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

What we offer

• A strategic mind-set and able to pull away from operational issues to consider the bigger picture and long-term health of the charity as part of a team.
• Able to work autonomously to take forward and shape areas of work of key strategic significance.
• A role model to the wider staff team, reflecting professional, values-based leadership.
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach, and willingness to innovate and take measured risks.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrates gravitas and credibility to represent the organisation and build confidence internally and externally.
• An empathy with and an understanding of related issues, with an ability to deal sensitively and authentically with clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and drive which inspires others to achieve the Forward Trust vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Able to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.

*We reserve the right to close vacancies early