Prison to Community Recovery Practitioner

Nelson Trust; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Gloucester is seeking a compassionate Prison to Community Recovery Practitioner to support women facing substance use challenges as they transition to the community. The ideal candidate will assist in delivering trauma-informed, gender-responsive support while managing a caseload of clients. Essential experience includes working with women with complex needs, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and strong communication skills. This full-time role offers a supportive environment and opportunities for development.

Benefits

6% employer pension contribution

Supportive, values-driven working environment

Training and development opportunities

Chance to make a meaningful difference in women’s lives

Qualifications

• Experience designing support plans.
• Experience delivering group interventions.
• Experience in monitoring/data collection.
• Experience developing partnerships with external organisations.

Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload of women with criminal justice and substance use needs.
• Deliver trauma-informed, gender-responsive one-to-one support.
• Ensure continuity of treatment and interventions alongside Via services.
• Work collaboratively with HMP Eastwood Park and community partners.
• Complete assessments and develop strength-based action plans.
• Support women with goals around recovery, stability, and reducing risk.
• Facilitate group interventions when required.
• Provide harm-reduction advice, including overdose prevention and naloxone training.
• Attend multi-agency meetings and advocate for the women you support.
• Maintain accurate records, reviews, and risk assessments.

Skills

Experience working with women with multiple complex needs

Experience supporting women in the criminal justice system

Experience working with substance use needs

Ability to engage women who may find services difficult to access

Understanding of trauma-informed approaches

Knowledge of women’s multiple disadvantage

Knowledge of the criminal justice system

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Good administrative and IT skills

Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Job description

Location: Gloucester Women’s Centre
Hours: 28 hours per week
Salary: £25,000–£27,000 (pro rata)
Contract: 12‑month fixed term
Employer: The Nelson Trust

The Nelson Trust provides life‑changing support for women experiencing multiple disadvantage, including those involved in or at risk of entering the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Our Women’s Centres offer trauma‑informed, gender‑responsive support that empowers women to overcome challenges related to offending, housing, substance use, health, finance, trauma, relationships, and employment.

We believe every woman deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. If you share that belief, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Prison to Community Recovery Practitioner to support women with substance use needs as they enter and leave prison, ensuring continuity of care in the community.

Working across community and custody settings, you will provide one‑to‑one support, deliver interventions, and collaborate with partners such as Via substance use services, Probation, Healthcare, Housing providers, and our team at HMP Eastwood Park.

This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about empowering women, confident in multi‑agency work, and committed to trauma‑informed practice.

What You’ll Do

• Hold a caseload of women with criminal justice and substance use needs
• Deliver trauma‑informed, gender‑responsive one‑to‑one support
• Ensure continuity of treatment and interventions alongside Via services
• Work collaboratively with HMP Eastwood Park and community partners
• Complete assessments and develop strength‑based action plans
• Support women with goals around recovery, stability, and reducing risk
• Facilitate group interventions where required
• Provide harm‑reduction advice, including overdose prevention and naloxone training
• Attend multi‑agency meetings and advocate for the women you support
• Maintain accurate records, reviews, and risk assessments
• Contribute to the smooth running of the Women’s Centre, fostering a warm, welcoming environment

Essential experience & qualities:

• Experience working with women with multiple complex needs
• Experience supporting women in the criminal justice system
• Experience working with substance use needs
• Ability to engage women who may find services difficult to access
• Understanding of trauma‑informed approaches
• Knowledge of women’s multiple disadvantage (e.g., domestic abuse, substance use)
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Ability to manage a caseload and work under pressure
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skillsCommitment to safeguarding and equality
• Good administrative and IT skills
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Desirable:

• Experience designing support plans
• Experience delivering group interventions
• Experience in monitoring/data collection
• Experience developing partnerships with external organisations

What We Offer

• 6% employer pension contribution
• Supportive, values‑driven working environment
• Training and development opportunities
• Chance to make a meaningful difference in women’s lives
• A team that truly cares

Please note, this position is restricted to female applicants only due to the nature of the work carried out in our Women’s Centres in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).

We have become known for the quality of our work and ability to provide bespoke care and support services. While we are proud of our achievements so far, we are ambitious and want to continue to grow and diversify our workforce.

We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, perspectives and experiences and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from individuals across all sectors of society.

This is an opportunity for new, challenging and highly rewarding experiences. Our staff make a real difference to people’s lives and in return for your commitment and enthusiasm, we offer a comprehensive training and development programme a generous pension scheme and a positive working environment.

If this sounds like the role for you, please submit an application today!