North East Recovery Navigator

About the role

The Forward Trust is seeking a Recovery Navigator to work across East London probation delivery units. You will support men on probation, including prison leavers and community order participants, helping them engage with substance‑misuse treatment and reduce reoffending.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop collaborative SMART action plans.
• Deliver 1:1 and group interventions, both in‑person and virtually, using motivational and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Provide practical advocacy, attend appointments, make referrals and follow‑up calls on behalf of clients.
• Offer clear, accessible advice to enable informed choices.
• Support clients with varying complexity, from motivated individuals to those with dual diagnosis and low engagement.
• Build and maintain partnerships with probation staff, treatment providers and other agencies.
• Maintain accurate case records aligned with commissioner targets.
• Optionally develop expertise as a Subject Matter Expert in areas such as BAME communities or chemsex support.

Required profile

• Strong experience in substance‑misuse work or a related support role.
• Proven ability to manage high caseloads, conduct risk assessments and create SMART plans.
• Experience delivering 1:1 and group interventions using motivational and trauma‑informed methods.
• Experience working with treatment or healthcare services.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills with diverse populations.

Required skills

• Knowledge of substance‑misuse interventions and recovery pathways.
• Familiarity with probation and criminal‑justice processes.
• Competence in risk assessment and case planning.

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time contract (9‑5, Monday‑Friday) with some flexibility.
• Opportunity to work across multiple boroughs in East London.
• Professional development and potential to become a Subject Matter Expert.