Day recovery worker jobs

Location: Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements and regular travel

Contract: Fixed term role to 31 March 2028. Full time, 37 hours per week or part time, 30 hours per week (please state on your application if you would prefer full or part time)

Salary range: Starting full time equivalent salary from £35,502 per annum 

Would you like to become a vital part of our collaborative and innovative team to make a lasting difference to families?

Every day at PACT, we are building adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to embrace a positive future. PACT is an outstanding adoption charity and award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about creating brighter futures for women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive home and we are committed to providing the highest quality services to help make that a reality. We are proud of our four successive outstanding ratings with Ofsted.

We are looking for an Adoption Support Education Advisor to join our Reading team.

Our Adoption Support Education Advisor will work in PACT’s adoption support service and support our Lead Specialist Education Worker in the implementation and development of our Early Education Pathways pilot project for a fixed term period to March 2028 to:

· foster positive and effective relationships between schools, educational and other professionals and adoptive families

· contribute to meeting the objectives of the pilot project, maintaining delivery momentum, data quality and consistency to ensure the project’s success

About you:

We are looking for an individual with demonstrable experience of training and education ideally within a primary school setting. You’ll have an understanding of the needs of looked after children and child development and the impact on behaviour of interrupted development.

You’ll hold a degree (or equivalent), and professional qualification/s preferably in education (or related field). With great organisational and communication skills, you’ll be adept at managing assigned project deliverables to agreed timelines to ensure the pilot project’s success.

You will make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

For further information and details on how to apply and contact details for an informal conversation, please visit our website.

Closing date: 4pm Friday 10 July 2026

We look forward to hearing from you.

Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy earlier than stated.

Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5-year period.

All opportunities are based in the UK.

Other relevant roles you may have experience of could include: Designated Teacher for LAC/PLAC, Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Adoption Support Advisor, Specialist Education Advisor, Education Advisor, Adoption Teaching Advisor, Education Psychologist, Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head Teacher, Virtual School, Virtual School Head, SENDCO, Special Educational Needs Coordinator, SEND, SEND Educational Advisor, Primary School Pastoral Care Lead.

Substance Use Practitioner - Maternity cover

Location: Basingstoke

Salary: from £26,097 per annum depending on experience

Vacancy Type: Maternity cover for up to 10 months

Hours of work: Full time, 37 hours per week

Company Description

Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose - we call these our '3Ps'.

We achieve this in two ways. First, we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity, and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.

Hampshire 24/7 Substance Use Service

Our Hampshire 24/7 Substance Use Service is a county wide, community engagement based service, which offers targeted and specialist treatment to young people aged 25 years and under. We are a forward thinking, person-centred service, with a high level of credibility among young people.

We are a multi-professional team, with a designated worker in each district of Hampshire, and we are supported by our partnership with Inclusion Recovery Hampshire and Parent Support Link.

Job Description

Please note that this opportunity is maternity cover, covering a period of up to 10 months.

*This role requires access to a vehicle, and a full current driving licence.

We are looking to recruit a Substance Use Practitioner - Maternity cover in Hampshire, who will work with children and young people to make a positive difference to their lives.

You'll deliver specialist, targeted support to children and young people up to the age of 25, offering confidential and non-judgemental advice and guidance, regarding the use of drugs and alcohol, using a variety of therapeutic interventions.

The work can be challenging, but it is hugely rewarding. The services delivered by our Practitioners has proven to make a real change in the lives of our service users. Last year, 100% were satisfied with our service, 98% felt more able to make positive choices in life, 86% felt that their mental health had improved, and 91% of service users under the age of 18 left the service with a positive outcome (e.g. a reduction in risk, or an improvement in their circumstances).

In addition to the comprehensive training package offered by Catch22, you will also have the opportunity to develop your skills and expertise through a range of additional training, offered by Hampshire County Council. This role also offers the opportunity to build networks and work with a range of partner agencies and commissioners across the substance misuse sector.

Qualifications

We are looking for people with the following skills and experience:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience of working with children and young people with complex needs or vulnerabilities. This could be within substance misuse, children's mental health, children's services, education, pastoral support, or SEN.
• An ability to build positive and trusting relationships with young people.
• An adaptable and resilient outlook, able to maintain a commitment to supporting service users
• Additional information
• You can work from home/remotely once or twice a week, but this is dependent on service requirements, so we are unable to guarantee specific days.
• You will be based in one of the hubs listed above, but the role will require regular travel across the region, so a driving license and access to a vehicle are required.
• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

We aim to review applications as quickly as possible. However, due to the volume of interest we receive, we may not be able to contact all applicants individually. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful this time.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.

Catch22 is committed to rigorous safeguarding and safer recruitment practices; ensuring that every individual within the organisation has been safely and appropriately checked.

Please note, we will conduct an online search as part of our due dilligence checks for successful candidate(s). This will involve a search of all publicly available information online and in social media.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Catch 22, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  10am Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.