North East Recovery Navigator - Newham, Redbridge & Waltham Forest, Barking, Dagenham & Havering

About the Role

We are looking for aRecovery Navigator to join our Dependency and Recovery Services team, supporting people on probation to engage with substance misuse treatment and community services.

Working as part of a flexible, multi-disciplinary team, you will be based across probation delivery units in Newham, Redbridge & Waltham Forest, and Barking, Dagenham & Havering. This is a predominantly in-person, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm role, with some travel and flexibility required.

You will manage a diverse caseload of adult male prison leavers and people serving community orders, helping them navigate their recovery journey and bridge the gap between probation and community substance misuse services.

• Managing a varied caseload, including clients with low, medium and high levels of need and motivation.
• Completing comprehensive and risk assessments and developing collaborative SMART action plans.
• Delivering structured 1:1, group and virtual interventions using motivational and trauma-informed approaches.
• Providing practical support, advocacy, advice and guidance to help clients access and engage with treatment and other services.
• Making onward referrals and working closely with probation, treatment, healthcare and other partner agencies.
• Supporting clients to develop the skills, confidence and motivation to manage their dependency and recovery needs.
• Maintaining accurate case records and working towards service and commissioner targets.
• Supporting clients at key transition points, including release from prison and engagement with community services.

You will play a key role in bridging the gap between probation and existing substance misuse services, ensuring clients receive the right support at the right time and helping to reduce the risk of relapse and re-offending.

There may also be opportunities to develop specialist knowledge as aSubject Matter Expert (SME) in particular vulnerable groups or areas of need, supporting colleagues across the wider team.
Please be advised you may be required to travel between locations, therefore, access to your own vehicle would be beneficial.

We are looking for someone who is experienced, organised and passionate about supporting people affected by substance misuse and involvement with the criminal justice system.

You will have experience of managing high caseloads, completing assessments and developing effective SMART action plans, alongside delivering 1:1 and group interventions using motivational and trauma-informed approaches.

• Knowledge and experience of working within the criminal justice sector.
• Excellent experience in substance misuse or a related field.
• Experience of managing high caseloads, risk and comprehensive assessments, action planning and case recording.
• Experience working with treatment and/or healthcare services.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
• Excellent organisation, time management and prioritisation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with probation and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• A commitment to equality, confidentiality and GDPR requirements.

Most importantly, you will benon-judgemental, resilient and motivated to help people make positive changes. You will be confident working with individuals who may be hard to engage, including those with complex needs, and able to balance empathy and encouragement with clear professional boundaries.