Leona Alphonso

Compassionate and dedicated working professional skilled in resettlement, substance misuse recovery, and supporting vulnerable individuals. Experienced in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and multi-agency collaboration.

Resettlement coach / AFEO lead at ARK Resettlement services (2025-12 – Present)

Supported ex-offenders and high support need individuals with resettlement, housing, benefits and community reintegration.

• Worked collaboratively with probation services, local councils, housing providers and external agencies, such as monthly reports for care leavers.
• Managed complex caseloads using trauma-informed, non-judgmental and person centered approached.
• Maintained accurate records, completed risk assessments and followed safeguarding procedures.
• Led a community support initiative for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals
• Managed incoming referrals and maintained detailed case records
• Maintained regular communication with councils, housing associations and private landlords.

Opiate recovery coordinator at Change Grow Live (2024-08 – 2025-07)

Managed a caseload of up to 85 clients handling opiate substitute prescriptions alongside delivering 1-1 recovery interventions and support plans.

• Worked with high risk and vulnerable individuals, developing knowledge of addiction recovery pathways and long-term impacts of substance misuse.
• Applied safeguarding, risk assessment, confidentiality and de-escalation procedures consistently.
• Worked in partnership with multi agency professionals to support positive client outcomes.

Assistant Instructor at Brighton and Hove Taekwondo & Arch Combat Academy (2015-09 – 2025)

Planned and covered the classes for multiple instructors, overseeing both children and adults' sessions.

• Worked with children with learning difficulties and additional support needs.
• Developed behaviour management and communication skills in group settings.
• Developed strong leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills, alongside insight into social development, confidence building and psychological wellbeing.

MSc Honours in Criminology with Forensic Psychology – Middlesex University (2023-09 – 2025)

BSc Honours in Criminology – University of Surrey (2020-09 – 2023)

A-levels in Sociology (A), Product Design (A), English Literature (C) – Cardinal Newman Catholic College (2018 – 2020)

GCSEs – Cardinal Newman Catholic School (2013 – 2018)