Criminal Justice Worker

Join The Forward Trust as a Criminal Justice Worker in Southend-on-Sea and help adults aged 18+ make positive, lasting change. This is a rewarding, full-time (35 hours) opportunity in Essex where you’ll support people in or at risk of offending who are affected by drug and/or alcohol use, working as part of an integrated health and criminal justice pathway.

Key Responsibilities
- Deliver structured, person-centred support to clients involved with the criminal justice system, focusing on substance misuse and recovery goals
- Complete assessments, risk management and care planning, including onward referrals to health, housing and social support services
- Build strong relationships with partner agencies (e.g., probation, courts, police, treatment providers) to coordinate effective interventions
- Maintain accurate case records, reports and outcomes in line with organisational and safeguarding requirements
- Promote engagement, motivation and relapse prevention through consistent keywork and practical support

What You’ll Need
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults, ideally within criminal justice, substance misuse, homelessness or mental health services
- Confidence in assessment, care planning and multi-agency working, with an understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with people who may be ambivalent about services
- Desirable: knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and experience with structured interventions

Why Apply
You’ll earn £26,000–£28,000 per year and join a respected charity known for meaningful rehabilitation work, training, and clear development pathways across Essex services.