Apex Scotland is the leading employment and training organisation specialising in work with people with convictions.
Apex Scotland offers a diverse range of services for young people and adults to help them remove personal barriers to employment and engage in education, employment or community activities. We also work in partnership with many organisations and employers.
We are delighted to collaborate with East Dunbartonshire Justice Social Work on the Wayfinders Project. This is a peer navigator service, designed to support individuals aged over 18 years of age navigate the justice system and access services at the earliest opportunity, notably Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services. With the aim of improving service users’ lives and, importantly, enabling them to desist from offending. The service will focus on four main areas; Diversion from Prosecution; Structured Deferred Sentences; Community Payback Orders as well as the transition from custody to the community.
The post offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with lived experience who is interested in pursuing or further developing their career in supporting individuals with complex needs who are involved in the justice system. Drawing on their experience it is hoped that they can work in partnership with Justice Social Work and support individuals to access services and make sense of their journey. The post holder will provide a recovery-based approach to support that is person centred, strengths based and trauma informed. Using relationship-based practice to develop supportive and meaningful relationships with service users, many of whom can be difficult to engage.
The right candidate will have the ability to engage with our predominantly male service user group on a one to one basis to assist them to engage with the relevant services and take forward an action plan.
We are seeking candidates who are able to demonstrate good communication skills, are approachable, compassionate and have knowledge or experience of the issues affecting our service users. Developmental support will be provided with regards to IT but an awareness of the need for good record keeping and organisational skills is required. Successful candidates will also be supported to develop an understanding of the need for networking and working collaboratively with professionals. Based in Kirkintilloch JSW office and covering the East Dunbartonshire area, some travel will be required therefore a driving licence or access to a means of transport would be an advantage. Part time or job share options can be discussed. This service is currently funded to August 2024.
If you are interested in the post please contact Ann or Emma by phone or email, and we would be delighted to walk you through the role and the developmental support that it includes.
Contact details:
Ann Mathieson: ann.mathieson@apexscotland.org.uk or telephone 07442 509197
Emma Wilson: emma.wilson@apexscotland.org.uk Please email with details of a contact number for a call back.
Ann or Emma can release an application form to you following initial contact or please fill in the online application on this page.
In view of the nature of this post and the requirement to work with vulnerable adults, this post holder will be required to join the relevant PVG scheme.
This position is funded by East Dunbartonshire Justice Social Work.
Job reference: PN/KIRK
Rate of pay: Salary Scale £22,597 - £24,883 per annum
Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Part time/job share can be discussed.
Closing date: Friday 6 October 2023. It is anticipated we will conduct interviews in person w/c 9 October 2023.