Addictions Counsellor

We are looking for an Addictions Counsellor. This is an exciting new opportunity to join our team.

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

The Bridges is Forward’s residential substance misuse treatment centre in Hull for people of all genders over the age of 18 years, who have committed to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol.  We provide a structured 3- 6 month treatment programme based on the 12-step principles of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous which incorporates Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and the “Seeking Safety” approach.   

As part of the Treatment Team you will: 

• Manage a caseload, providing risk assessments, and recovery plans.  
• Deliver a programme of structured group-work sessions and individual 1-1 sessions. 
• Create effective and comprehensive plans for residents that are tailored to their individual needs and help them to achieve their treatment goals. 
• Be able to deliver the full range of psycho-social interventions relevant to individual client needs  
• Develop and contribute to the reintegration needs of service users, supporting them in the development of their plans which are appropriate to their needs. 
• Carry out admission procedures in line with agreed protocols 
• Supervise and record service users’ self-administration of prescribed medications 
• Maintain efficient record keeping and data collection at all times 
• Communicate client information within established written and verbal communication systems  
• Carry out drug and alcohol testing as required as part of the therapeutic regime

Desirable

• Experience of working within the substance misuse services in a range of settings 
• Experience of developing holistic recovery plans that address the range of needs of clients

Essential 

• Ability to engage effectively with the client group, including holding strong professional boundaries, conflict resolution and working with challenging behaviour.
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of equality and diversity, confidentiality, health and safety.
• Good observational and reporting skills.
• Strong IT skills. 
• Level 4 qualification in counselling.

• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible working 
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (Optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 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)

Diversity at Forward Trust

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

The closing date for this role is 31st December 2025. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Addictions Counsellor