Substance misuse worker jobs in south east london, greater london
At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an Intervention Worker to play a pivotal role in our Criminal Justice Service in Battersea.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
Approved Premises (APs) work with high-risk people released from prison, providing a vital element in public protection arrangements. APs offer a level of contact, support and supervision within the community that is unique within the Criminal Justice System. This is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated, enthusiastic staff team at our male Approved Premises in Battersea, playing a key role in pro-social modelling, rehabilitation and community reintegration for those ready to make positive choices.
Working closely with Probation Officers and other community services such as police, health, housing and substance misuse, we provide a stepping stone from prison into the community.
As a member of the Approved Premises team, you will model pro-social behavior and foster a positive, respectful culture with both clients and colleagues. You will actively engage with residents, supporting communal activities such as meal preparation, and contribute to the delivery of individual sentence plans in collaboration with probation officers, police, and external agencies.
Your role will involve providing administrative and practical support, ensuring daily tasks are completed, and following all operational protocols. You will encourage compliance and enforce rules relating to curfews and drug and alcohol testing as required. Keeping colleagues, multi-agency partners, and management informed is essential.
You will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health, safety, security, cleanliness, and well-being of the premises and residents, utilizing tools such as CCTV, observation, and direct personal contact. Accurate, timely record-keeping and appropriate information sharing with respect for confidentiality are critical components of this role.
Using your initiative, you will identify and address additional tasks or emerging issues, working within the service to maintain an enabling environment. Adherence to the Approved Premises Manual, Hestia policies, and relevant justice service requirements is expected, alongside consistently demonstrating The Hestia Approach.
This role involves working closely with high-risk offenders transitioning from prison to community life, providing a unique level of daily support, supervision, and tailored interventions. You will empower residents to take responsibility for themselves while maintaining appropriate boundaries and supervision. The position operates on a rolling rota covering early, late, weekend, and night shifts to ensure continuous support and public protection.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
Here's what the team will be looking for
The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to engage and communicate effectively with others, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness in their approach. They should maintain an optimistic outlook regarding people's capacity for change and the possibility of positive outcomes. A quick learner who can efficiently gather information and make well-founded decisions is essential.
The candidate must be able to maintain firm boundaries and exercise authority legitimately while working in a pro-social and positive manner. Competence in receiving, processing, and accurately recording detailed information is required, along with ensuring appropriate sharing of information within confidentiality guidelines. An understanding of the emotional and behavioral impacts of trauma is important, as is the ability to work sensitively with individuals who display a wide range of emotions, behaviors, and communication challenges.
The candidate should be a team player who leads by example and takes a practical, hands-on approach to tasks such as cooking, gardening, household chores, and leisure activities. Finally, knowledge of safeguarding principles and the ability to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns are essential.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.
We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Complex Needs Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Wandsworth & Richmond and Domestic Abuse Service
We are looking for a compassionate and resilient Complex Needs Support Worker to provide 1:1 support to service users facing multiple challenges, including substance misuse, exiting sex work, domestic abuse, and co-existing issues such as low-level mental health needs. You will explore and address service users' needs, make referrals to relevant services, and ensure safeguarding concerns are managed in collaboration with social services, safeguarding leads, and mental health teams. The role also involves contributing to multi-agency meetings, maintaining accurate case notes, completing assessments, and reviewing safety plans. In addition, you will oversee housing maintenance by ensuring repairs are completed and health and safety guidelines are followed. This role is based on working Saturdays and Sundays 8am -2pm each week.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
Here's what the team will be looking for
We are seeking a motivated individual with experience in safeguarding and supporting people with complex needs, who works well in a team and can multi-task effectively. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of domestic abuse, substance misuse, sex work, and mental health, and be confident in problem solving while empowering and encouraging survivors. This role is also suited to someone eager to develop their skills and training.
Please note: This post is open to female applicants only under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, due to the nature of the role supporting women.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.
We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Our client is one of the largest women's hostels in the UK for vulnerable women affected by homelessness. They offer support to women with a range of complex needs, including substance misuse, mental health issues and domestic violence, and provide these support services in a warm, welcoming and secure environment. They are now recruiting for 2 Support Workers to provide person centred support to women with a variety of complex needs.
As a Support Worker you will work with a range of women with complex support needs and backgrounds and will empower and support them to reach their goals, giving them the necessary tools to achieve these. You work to identify risk and conduct regular reviews of support plans and risk assessments to ensure that the needs of those women on your caseload are met with a proactive and motivating approach. You will also work with other agencies, linking women in with various services that will support them in a holistic way.
To apply for this role, you will have proven experience of supporting hard to reach service users in a similar setting. You will have experience of providing personalised, tailored, trauma-informed support to a variety of people with complex needs and will be warm and approachable in your manner. You will have experience of managing your own caseload and will understand the importance of recording and sharing key information. You will be patient, empathetic and eager to learn, passionate about supporting and empowering vulnerable women.
Please note, the client is looking to recruit for this role as soon as possible, so please only apply if you are available immediately or have no more than a 1 month notice period. Please note this role will be Monday-Friday 40 hours a week on a five-week rota - normal working pattern will be working across early (8am-4.30pm) and late (1pm-9.30om) shifts, and 2 out of 5 weekends.
Because of the purpose of our client's work, only women are eligible to apply for this role, under Section 7(2) (b) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager
We are seeking a passionate mental health professional to lead and inspire wellbeing initiatives for those at risk of homelessness in London.
Position: Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager
Salary: £37,880 (ILW) Per Annum Plus Pension & Other Benefits
Location: London
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November
Interview date: 7th November 2025
About the Role
In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the development of creative and innovative mental health and wellbeing initiatives across London services. You’ll focus on promoting positive coping strategies, embedding trauma-informed practice and ensuring psychologically informed environments for staff, volunteers and clients.
You’ll oversee coordination of mental health and substance misuse work, deliver workshops and reflective practice training, and provide practical advice and guidance to frontline staff. You’ll also build strong partnerships with statutory and community mental health services, ensuring timely access to support for those who need it most.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver initiatives that support positive mental health and wellbeing
- Embed trauma-informed practice and psychologically informed environments
- Supervise the Mental Health and Substance Misuse Coordinator
- Train and advise staff in supporting people with complex mental health needs
- Deliver workshops, training and reflective practice sessions
- Build and maintain strong external partnerships
- Ensure policies and resources are up to date and accessible
- Monitor and report on outcomes to funders and senior management
- Manage expenditure within budget and maintain accurate records
- Uphold safeguarding, quality assurance and data protection standards
About You
This is a strategic, empowering role suited to someone with a deep commitment to mental health and social impact. You’ll bring a strong understanding of the intersection between homelessness and mental health, as well as experience supporting individuals with complex needs.
To succeed, you will have:
- A strong understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues
- A background in mental health, counselling, psychology, social work or a related field
- Proven experience supporting people with complex needs
- Experience delivering training and embedding trauma-informed practice
- Strong safeguarding knowledge
- Experience managing staff or volunteers
- Good knowledge of statutory and community mental health networks
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
- A reflective, values-driven approach and commitment to making a difference
In return for working here, you will receive:
- A comprehensive training package tailored to your needs and role
- Commitment to continued professional development with internal mentoring.
- Flexible working model for suitable roles.
- Supportive flexitime and toil arrangements.
- 26 days annual leave rising to 30 after five years’ service.
- Family friendly leave policies including - maternity, adoption and parental leave and Carers leave.
- Financial wellbeing offering interest free loans and advances
- Auto-enrolment to pension scheme employer from day 1 with employer contribution up to 7% and increasing with service
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to the app – 24/7 GP appointments, prescription service, health checks and nutrition advice.
- Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans.
- Discount vouchers including gym, retail, food & drink, travel, electricals and more.
- Cash benefit plan for you and your partner (living with you) and children under 18 including covering Dental, Optical, Hospital Stays, Scans and More
- International Accident Cover – accidental death, permanent disability
- Death in service (4x Base salary)
- Legal Advice line
About the Organisation
A leading homelessness charity supporting vulnerable young people and adults across the UK. The charity’s mission is to prevent homelessness, increase resilience, and promote opportunities through housing and support services. Grounded in Vincentian values, which focus on the potential of people and a commitment to action, inclusion and dignity.
As part of the team, you’ll receive full induction, training in the Endeavour model, and ongoing supervision and reflective practice support.
An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Lead, Wellbeing Manager, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Counsellor, Clinical Support Lead, Recovery Worker, Mental Health Coordinator, Mental Health Project Manager, Health and Wellbeing Officer, Trauma-Informed Practitioner. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Support Coach
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
Job Title: Support Coach
Location: Havering, Close to Harold Wood Elizabeth Line station. Please note that this service does not have step free access.
Salary: £27,000
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rota varying between 08:00 - 21:30 which includes 12.5 hour shifts with 1 hour unpaid break, approximately 3 shifts per week. You may need to be flexible on these hours as per service requirements.
About the Role
We're have an exciting opportunity for a Support Coach to join our new Independent Approved Premises (IAP) covering the day shift on a rolling rota. You will play a key role in supporting our residents who have left prison and are based within a residential setting to reintegrate into the community. You will develop and engage with our residents to produce tailored support plans which support their individual needs in successful rehabilitation and reintegration within the community. You will identify their needs, goals and skills, and then support and motivate them to achieve their potential. You will support them in engaging with activities, the community, and provide useful tools and resources for better life skills management. The service holds a strong focus on public protection and effective risk management.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and participants at all times
- Engaging with residents, ensuring they are adhering to their license conditions. This may include planning activities to engage them with other people, communities, and opportunities
- Be a valued and reliable member of the team, completing handovers for night colleagues for a seamless service
- Building trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins
- Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals
About You
We're looking for someone who has a true passion to help make a difference and contribute to providing safer communities for all. You will be able to work in a fast paced environment, be proactive, and have resilience to challenges. You will thrive working within the team as well as independently, and be comfortable with working with people who have different offending histories. We're looking for someone who can build trust and rapport with others, and has a positive outlook, which can be used to support others. We also look for:
- Ability to manage own caseload and determine priorities with time management. Able to use own initiative
- Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds, ex-offenders, mental health, substance misuse, challenging behaviours or a good understanding of the sector.
- IT Proficiency, ability to learn new software programs, basic Microsoft experience
- Understanding and/or practical application of key legislation regarding social care, housing, criminal justice and mental health
- Cultural awareness, Self-awareness, and ability to identify personal growth areas and take feedback
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency
We are interviewing on an ongoing basis so this job role may close early. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. As a note, Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 10th November.
Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.
What we Offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
- Employer Pension Contribution
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Annual Staff Awards
- EDI Ambassador programme
About Social Interest Group (SIG)
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change.
We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group.
Additional Information
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.
Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
Empowering independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital and off the streets
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for a Social Care IDVA
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000
Location: 4 days located across Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Social Care with 1 day per week remote working
Contract: Fixed term – March 2026 (with the view to extend)
Hours p/w: 35 hours per week
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role:
The Social Care IDVA will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy, and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process, specialising in working with women whose families are involved with Family Children Services and risk to children is a factor. You will work to make proactive contact and provide high quality advocacy and support based upon a client led needs and risk assessment to women, focusing on working with those aged 18 and over who access the domestic abuse service. This role is part advocacy, part training/education and project work to improve response to victim/survivors experiencing domestic abuse. You will be embedded in the local authority Family Children Services team, working with Social Care professionals to ensure they adopt a trauma informed approach, can recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse and are providing more holistic support. You will be the domestic abuse subject matter expert on site, upskilling fellow professionals and acting as a point of contact for any clients experiencing domestic abuse and support requirements from Family Children Services.
The borough has a focus on prioritising and developing good DA work in social care and this is an opportunity to be a major player in institutional change, ensuring that women accessing Family Children services for their children have an improved experience and that the local authorities are leading the way for all survivors engaging with their services.
Advance delivers nationally accredited, quality marked services in Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Brent, Ealing, and across parts of East London. We work within a coordinated partnership response to domestic violence to provide independent domestic violence advocacy and support for women, children and young people and women’s community services for women who are involved in the criminal justice system, in anti-social behaviour or are at risk of breaking the law.
About You:
You will have an excellent understanding of domestic violence and its effects on women and children and of best practice within the domestic abuse in various areas of need, with particular knowledge on children safeguarding/legislation. As an experienced domestic violence advocate who has worked with complex and multiple needs, the post holder will be skilled in risk management and safety planning, remaining calm in a crisis and in handling sensitive information on a daily basis. Experience of direct work with female survivors of domestic violence, of supporting women with child safeguarding, needs, and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote a strong partnership approach to service provision.
To be successful as the Social Care IDVA you will need the below experience and skills:
You will establish positive, proactive, and innovative working relationships with housing services and partner agencies. Provide high-quality crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and proactive support to women referred to the service, in respect to risk management and safety planning, criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, and children’s legislation.
Your abilities extends to assessing the needs and risks of survivors, carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs. Advising women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies and proactively advocate to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are reduced. You will work as an advocate and educator to raise awareness and upskill professionals within Children Social Care plus work with colleagues to successfully develop and deliver training.
How to apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
Interviews are taking place on rolling basis
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and we will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.