The Forward Trust Looking for Floating Support Worker at Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Full Time

Benefits

• Training opportunities and career development.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Simply Heath Cash Plan.
• Free yearly Headspace subscription.
• 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)

About Forward

The Forward Trust is a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment services to offenders in the UK. Our mission is to help individuals break free from addiction and crime by offering effective treatment and recovery support in prisons and the community. We are dedicated to providing access to support that protects health and motivates individuals toward their own recovery journey.

Role Overview – Floating Support Worker (Rough Sleeping Drug & Alcohol Team):

In this exciting role, your responsibilities will include assisting in the relocation of individuals to another district and coordinating their care with the newly established drug and alcohol service centre in that area. Your role will primarily involve providing time-limited transition support to these individuals until they are fully integrated into their new environment and connected with the local drug and alcohol service. To ensure a high level of support and flexibility for those facing significant challenges and complexities in engagement, you will manage a smaller caseload. This approach will be grounded in Trauma-Informed practices.

In addition, the dedicated and skilled workers in this role will have a deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness. They will play a crucial role in coordinating care, including collaborating with housing support workers and facilitating access to primary healthcare services.

Role Responsibilities – Floating Support Worker (Rough Sleeping Drug & Alcohol Team):

• Conduct risk assessments, including initial and comprehensive evaluations, to guide the treatment process.
• Implement interventions tailored to individual client requirements, encompassing one-on-one sessions and group activities or program facilitation.
• Collaborate with external agencies, such as those focused on training, employment, and family support services, to ensure comprehensive client care.
• Cooperate with healthcare professionals to monitor and manage client well-being, minimising potential harm.
• Participate in the development and contribution to the assessment and care planning process for service users, facilitating their engagement with specialised agencies to address their diverse support needs.
• Motivate clients to actively participate in the support services outlined in their care plans and risk assessments.
• Assist clients in navigating their care plans, including referrals to community support services, offering guidance on housing, benefits, and training and employment opportunities.

Flexibility will be required in this role, this may include some evening/weekend shift and with reasonable notice to travel to other projects in your cluster to deliver services, enabling continuity of care for the client group.

Person Requirements

• Previous involvement in substance misuse services.
• Proficiency in conducting thorough assessments, devising risk management strategies, and developing SMART care plans.
• Proficiency in administering structured interventions to service users.
• Proficiency in leading group sessions.
• Application of motivational interviewing techniques in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Appreciation of the importance of continuity of care, comprehensive care needs, and community services.
• A track record of advocating for and supporting Equality and Diversity.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with substance misuse.
• Familiarity with the principles of the Recovery Agenda.
• Understanding of Safeguarding practices.
• Possession of a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

The Forward Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of addiction and the criminal justice system.