Drug and alcohol recovery worker jobs

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Southwark. No personal care or experience is required, just the right values.

£29,927.87 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The successful applicant will have experience working closely with a range of services to support individuals to address and/or recover from their dependence on drugs and or alcohol. Or have expertise in supporting customers with complex mental health needs, including dual diagnosis, forensic histories, and personality disorders.

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the post. Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support. Working with individuals with complex needs, who may display challenging, chaotic behaviours, regularly test boundaries and have experienced multiple traumas as a result of abuse, neglect and substance misuse and addictions it is integral that the post holder is motivated to support individuals to progress. They should continually hold aspirations for individuals despite multiple setbacks, and display emotional resilience, able to process challenging incidents and remain motivated to deliver excellent support.

You will have excellent knowledge of harm reduction techniques and various treatment approaches for addiction and be confident in the use of these approaches. These should include but are not limited to medication treatment, behavioural counselling and relapse prevention. You will also provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Provision of care and support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support. Post holders will deliver trauma informed and asset-based support to a caseload of up to 4 complex service users with substance misuse support needs. - The caseload is subject to change depending on the service needs. Shifts are - Early 8-4pm late 2pm-10pm Monday to Friday and double or 8am-3pm/3pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday. With some mid shifts. Working days also includes bank holidays.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for the full job description.

Overview

Resilience Duty Worker (Young People)

Change Grow Live – Hertfordshire

Do you believe in the potential of young people—and in your ability to help unlock it?

At Change Grow Live, we see possibility in every person. Guided by our values — Be Open, Be Compassionate and Be Bold — we work alongside young people and their families to create safer, healthier futures. Our approach is grounded in evidence, shaped by compassion and rooted in the communities we serve.

As part of our 2030 Strategy, we are strengthening early intervention, safeguarding and whole-family responses so that young people can access the right support at the right time. This role is central to that ambition.

About the Role

We are seeking a Resilience Duty Worker to join our Integrated Whole Family Recovery Service across Hertfordshire. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will support young people affected by substance use and associated safeguarding risks—helping to reduce harm, build resilience and improve outcomes.

This is a varied, frontline role requiring strong engagement skills, sound judgement and a clear understanding of safeguarding practice. You will work flexibly across the county, responding to need and ensuring timely access to appropriate pathways.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Act as a key point of entry into the service, processing referrals and completing initial triage assessments.

• Identify, respond to and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance and best practice.

• Reduce drug- and alcohol-related harm for young people and the wider community through evidence-based interventions.

• Hold a small caseload, delivering brief interventions focused on substance use and risk reduction.

• Manage and monitor waiting lists, maintaining contact with young people awaiting allocation to a keyworker.

• Advocate for access to partner services and coordinate support across agencies.

• Support positive, holistic outcomes for young people’s health and wellbeing—reducing risk and increasing resilience.

• Monitor referrals, identify appropriate treatment pathways and ensure timely progression through services.

• Work peripatetically across Hertfordshire to meet the needs of young people and families.

• Build strong partnerships with families, professionals and community services.

Where: This role will be based across Hertfordshire County (Full UK driving licence and access to a car will be essential)
Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week
*Salary: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35
Allowance: Outer Fringe £683.99

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

Working in Hertfordshire

Across Hertfordshire, Change Grow Live works in partnership with children’s services, education, health and community organisations to deliver integrated, safeguarding-led support. Our services are designed to reflect local need, remove barriers to access and ensure young people receive timely, effective interventions. In this role, you will contribute directly to a coordinated, whole-family approach that is built on evidence and compassion and rooted in local communities.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience of working with young people and a strong understanding of the challenges they face.

• Knowledge of safeguarding practice for children and young people, including the Fraser Competence framework.

• A sound understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience in a related field.

• Familiarity with evidence-based approaches to young people’s substance misuse treatment and best practice guidance.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong IT capability.

• The ability to maintain accurate records and meet reporting deadlines.

• The ability to work flexibly and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• A full UK driving licence and access to a car (essential).

We Thrive at Change Grow Live By:

• Recruiting for success and recognising the contribution of our people.

• Creating safe, healthy, agile and flexible environments where people can do their best work.

• Learning, developing and growing together, building confidence and capability.

• Fostering belonging, inclusion and openness, where every voice counts.

• Delivering world-class learning and organisational development, aligned to our values and strategy.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising by one day per year of service, capped at 30 days)

• A paid weekly Wellness Hour, access to our Wellness Hub and Employee Assistance Programme

• Contributory pension scheme

• A wide range of benefits, including discounts for shopping, cinema and holidays

• A friendly, supportive team environment

• Training, career development and progression opportunities

• Refer-a-Friend scheme

Apply Now

Please ensure your application and supporting statement clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements outlined in the job description.

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. Unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so early application is encouraged.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

Outer Fringe (£694.25)

Interview Date

26/1/2026

Closing Date

15/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Are you an experienced leader in homelessness or housing? We’re seeking a Head of Homeless Services to drive innovation, support our team, and shape the future of our vital Restart service.

About Resolve

Resolve supports people facing some of the most difficult challenges in life, substance misuse and homelessness. Our aim is to help individuals move towards stability and independence, building safe, positive and sustainable lives.

We deliver this through two main services. Our Restart Homeless and Rough Sleeping service provides targeted rough sleeping outreach, supported accommodation for 14 tenants and long-term guidance to help people to move forward and avoid returning to homelessness. In addition our Drug and Alcohol Treatment service, based in Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth, provides abstinence-focused, psychosocial support for people seeking recovery. 

We are entering an exciting period of growth, with a refreshed brand and website, and a passionate team driving innovation across our services. We have a new strategic plan which looks to expand services, guided by our values of Trust, Passion, Partnership and Respect, to reach and help more people.

With the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s new Homeless and Rough Sleeping Strategy, this is a great moment to join Resolve and help shape the future of homelessness and rough sleeper support in our community.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Homeless Services will lead, develop and deliver all aspects of Resolve’s Restart service. You will oversee rough sleeping outreach, accommodation and intensive one-to-one support, ensuring people move towards secure housing and improved wellbeing.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role. You will inspire a dedicated team, drive service innovation, and strengthen partnerships across the sector, while ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding and compliance. Above all, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Resolve and making a lasting difference for people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse.

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (salary conditional on pending salary review)

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire (with regular travel across Welwyn Hatfield Borough and occasional travel to Letchworth)

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (including a 30 minute per day paid break)

Holiday: 36 days annual leave including bank holidays

Contract Type: Permanent

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

Key Responsibilities

• Service Leadership & Delivery
• Team Management & Development
• Organisational Leadership
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Compliance
• Partnership & External Relations 

Person Specification

• Proven experience in the homelessness or housing sector.
• Confident in engaging with vulnerable individuals, including those in crisis.
• Significant team and people management experience.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and interpersonal.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Teams and case management systems.
• A values-driven approach and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to manage day to day operations and also think ‘bigger picture’ and longer term.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a management role – it’s an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference. You will:

• Lead a passionate team at a time of growth and renewal.
• Shape and develop innovative homelessness and rough sleeping services.
• Work in a supportive, values-driven organisation in the heart of the local community.

Benefits

• Flexible working options to support a healthy work / life balance.
• An informal, friendly and supportive workplace culture.
• Access to professional clinical supervision and support, helping you develop and maintain resilience in a challenging and meaningful role.
• Free on-site parking or costs reimbursed.
• Enhanced 36 days annual leave entitlement (including bank holidays).

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.   

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.    

We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the Role
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:

• Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
• Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
• Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others. 
• Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
• Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
• Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

What we Offer

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the 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 reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Interview Date

23/1/2026

Closing Date

12/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Workers
Reference: 321
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Contract: Fixed term 1 Year
Working base(s): 1 person to be based in Borehamwood or Hemel Wellbeing Centre, and 1 person to be based in Letchworth or Ware Wellbeing Centre

About the Service

The Complex Needs Housing Service works as a multi-disciplinary team with housing teams and Drug and Alcohol Services across District and Borough councils. These teams will be working with individuals who are presenting as homeless and have a number of Complex Needs.

The objectives of the Complex Needs Housing Service are to:

• Improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• Increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health in, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• Contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Reduce the use of police, ASB, tenancy enforcement, housing needs and environmental health services by clients whose primary need is related to mental ill health.
• Reduce the use of crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
• Provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/ or those that may have complex or multiple needs.
• Work collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) consisting of Change Grow Live (CGL), District and Borough councils, housing teams and other professionals.

About the Role

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. These will be clients who are presenting to District and Borough councils as homeless and need intervention and support with their mental health and housing.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person-centred recovery orientated and trauma informed approach in all aspects of the roles.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 20th January at 5pm.
Interviews to be held on Monday 26th January at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
N.B. Please quote reference number 321 when completing your application for this role.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

Are you passionate about supporting young people and shaping education-based interventions? We are looking for a Senior Practitioner – Education & Partnerships to lead strategic engagement with schools, colleges, and community partners across Buckinghamshire. This is a unique opportunity to combine frontline expertise with leadership in developing targeted education programmes and partnership work.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a practice lead within our Children & Young People’s Service, working with young people with complex needs.
• Drive the development and delivery of substance misuse prevention and early intervention programmes in educational settings.
• Build strong relationships with schools, PRUs, youth services, and voluntary organisations.
• Represent the service at education forums, safeguarding panels, and partnership boards.
• Line manage the Targeted Intervention Coordinator and oversee the Youth Ambassadors programme.
• Provide training and consultation to professionals on issues facing young people around substance misuse.
• Deliver high-quality interventions for young people with complex needs, including assessments, care planning, and psychosocial support.
• Lead education-focused initiatives such as targeted ter 2 workshops and interventions.
• Develop resources and toolkits for schools and youth settings.
• Ensure accurate data collection and reporting for educational interventions.
• Support the Team Leader with case management, audits, and service development.
• Champion safeguarding and trauma-informed practice across all activities.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in multi-agency working and building strong partnerships.
• Knowledgeable about young people’s substance misuse, safeguarding, and harm reduction.
• Skilled in delivering education programmes and managing staff or volunteers.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent). 
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

 What we Offer 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.

Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy. 

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 reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Interview Date

23/1/2026

Closing Date

12/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.