Service Manager – Dependency and Recovery Service

Location: London (SW London Probation/Prison Pathway)

Salary: £37,433 - £45,751 per annum

This is a role for a highly motivated individual who can lead our SW London and prison through the gate service, in our mission to stop reoffending. You might work in our CRS currently, and you might not – but you do share our drive to change the future of men on probation, and the Criminal Justice System itself.

We’re looking for someone who has knowledge of and a passion for desistance theories and knows how to turn those into great quality services. The Criminal Justice System is under pressure. Men of Probation need you to be able to raise the bar, change standards, thinking and approaches. 

What you will be doing

In London we currently deliver the ‘Dependency and Recovery (D&R) CRS to men on probation. We are contracted by HMPPS to do so. We deliver services and interventions aimed at helping men with needs in substance misuse. The service is designed to improve engagement into treatment services and ‘bridge the gap’ between probation and substance misuse services in the community by offering practical assistance and ongoing support through a range of timebound, enforceable and motivational interventions.

We support men on probation to successfully complete their probation supervision, to stop offending, and to live their potential. Building a crime free life stops the cycle of harm.

You will lead two Team Leaders, two Lived experience co-ordinators who manage our peer mentors and a team of  Recovery Navigators/Prison Link workers. Services are delivered in Probation Delivery Units and across London prisons. You are also responsible for the  development, maintenance and creation of  key strategic and operational partner relationships and act as the single point of contact for all partnership engagement. This is key to enhancing referral pathways and develop joint working agreements to improve outcomes for our service users.

You will work a combined pattern of remote working, and travelling across the services you are responsible for. You should expect to spend at least three days a week meeting staff, partners, attending key mtgs and visiting probation delivery units in your area.

Reporting to the D&R Senior Operational Manager, you will be closely involved in all aspects of contract and operational management. You will ensure good contractual performance and great staff development and support. You will build upon established close relationships with senior prison and probation colleagues, commissioners, contract managers, and other agencies in your region and nationally.

Your Forward Trust values and alignment mean that you will ensure the success of our annual work plan, researching our Theory of Change, delivering more social value, and ambitious targets for Forward Connect. You will be part of our network of seven CRS Service Managers, and you’ll take an active interest and part in all Forward Trust CRS (Accommodation, Dependency and Recovery and Personal Wellbeing) delivery across the UK. 

What we are looking for

• A thorough understanding and relevant experience of providing substance mis-use services in prison or community
• Demonstrable knowledge of Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC), National Probation Service (NPS) and Criminal Justice services in custodial or community settings.
• Understanding of Psychosocial interventions and community provision.
• Previous experience of developing and implementing service improvements.
• Demonstrable in the successful and effective management of people and performance, with evidence-based, tangible outcomes.
• Demonstrable ability to effectively lead and motivate teams, including through change processes.
• Experience of supervising and supporting staff to enhance their skills and enable them to work effectively.
• Experience of contract management, recruitment experience and data management
• Understanding of and sensitivity to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Working knowledge of using Microsoft office packages.
• Experience and knowledge of database monitoring systems, including overseeing the collection, recording and collating of information, including statistical data, for audit, research and reporting purposes.
• Experience of working within a rehabilitative setting, either custodial and/or community environments.
• A thorough understanding of relevant legislation and local/national best practice standards.
• A relevant qualification in business, leadership or management (or working towards)

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)
• Simply Health Benefits (optional)
• Electric car/bike scheme
• Crisis loan
• Enhanced sick pay policy
• Bluelight card discounts

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.