Prison Recovery Support Worker

Recovery Support Worker

HMP Portland & HMP The Verne Full-Time Permanent

Make a Difference Every Day

At Change Grow Live we believe that everyone deserves the chance to make positive changes in their life. We are a national charity that supports people to overcome challenges build confidence and achieve their potential.

Our values are simple:

• Be Open
• Be Compassionate
• Be Bold

These values guide everything we do and help us create a safe supportive environment where people can grow and thrive.

Looking for a Rewarding Career

You dont need extensive experience in substance misuse services to apply. If you are caring resilient a good listener and passionate about helping others we would love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity to start or develop a career in support work. We provide training guidance and ongoing professional development to help you succeed in the role.

About the Role

As a Recovery Support Worker youll work within our Southwest Prisons team supporting people at HMP Portland and HMP The Verne to make positive changes in their lives.

You will:

• Build positive and professional relationships with service users.
• Listen encourage and support people on their recovery journey.
• Help individuals access the right support and interventions for their needs.
• Work as part of a friendly and supportive multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to creating a safe respectful and recovery-focused environment.

What Were Looking For

Were interested in people who:

• Have excellent communication and listening skills.
• Are compassionate non-judgemental and respectful.
• Can motivate and encourage others.
• Are organised and willing to learn.
• Enjoy working as part of a team.
• Want to make a genuine difference in peoples lives.

Experience in support work healthcare social care customer service education community work or lived experience of recovery is welcome but not essential.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive training and induction.
• Ongoing learning and career development opportunities.
• Supportive management and team environment.
• Meaningful work that changes lives.
• The opportunity to develop specialist skills in health wellbeing and recovery services.

Location: HMP Portland & HMP The Verne Southwest Prisons
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time)
Contract: Permanent

Help People Build a Better Future

As a Recovery Support Worker youll play an important role in helping people make positive changes in their lives while receiving support within the prison environment.

No two days are the same. Youll work directly with individuals providing encouragement practical support and guidance throughout their recovery journey.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting people from their first contact with the service through every stage of their recovery journey.
• Delivering one-to-one and group support sessions that promote positive change.
• Working alongside healthcare professionals and partner organisations to ensure individuals receive the right support.
• Encouraging people who may be reluctant to engage with treatment and helping them access available services.
• Following up with individuals who miss appointments and helping them stay connected with support.
• Contributing to safety and wellbeing plans where required.
• Helping people rebuild confidence develop resilience strengthen support networks and prepare for a healthier future.

Who Were Looking For

Were looking for someone who is passionate about helping others and making a real difference.

You may already have experience in support work healthcare social care criminal justice education customer service or a similar people-focused role. However just as importantly were interested in your personal qualities attitude and willingness to learn.

Youll be someone who:

• Is a great communicator and enjoys building positive relationships with others.
• Can listen without judgement and show empathy and understanding.
• Is well organised and able to manage their time effectively.
• Can work independently while also being a supportive team member.
• Is confident using basic IT systems and keeping accurate records.
• Is resilient adaptable and able to respond positively to challenges.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Has an interest in mental health wellbeing recovery and supporting vulnerable people.
• Is committed to continuous learning and personal development.
• Can travel between sites when required.

Experience of substance misuse mental health prison healthcare or criminal justice services is beneficial but not essential. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

What Youll Receive

We know that supporting others starts with supporting our staff.

Thats why we offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing with length of service
• A paid wellbeing hour every week to focus on your personal wellbeing
• Access to our Wellness Hub and Employee Assistance Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Employee discounts on shopping cinema tickets holidays and much more
• A friendly supportive and inclusive team environment
• Comprehensive training and induction programme
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Refer-a-Friend reward scheme

Why Join Change Grow Live

This is more than a jobits an opportunity to make a lasting difference in peoples lives while developing a rewarding career in support work health and recovery services.

If youre compassionate motivated and ready to help people change grow and live wed love to hear from you.

As we want to get to know you not an AI tool. Please make sure your application is written in your own words and genuinely reflects your skills experience and motivation for this role.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas unfortunately we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest so early application is encouraged.