Young person substance misuse practitioner jobs

Young People Support Worker

We promise you that no day will be the same, and you will get so much out of working with our residents as you ensure that they are well-cared for, and empowered to make progress into Independence.

Location: Whitley Bay (Depaul House)

Salary: £26,436 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

You’ll play a vital part in delivering our mission: tackling homelessness, widening opportunity and championing fairness. Whatever your specialism, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment where people can thrive and move forward with confidence.

As a Young People Support Worker (Whitley Bay), you will provide practical, emotional, and goal-focused support to young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to move towards independent living.

You will manage a caseload of young people with a range of support needs, building trusted relationships and delivering structured, person-centred support plans. The role involves supporting young people through key transitions, including leaving care, sustaining accommodation, and accessing education, training, or employment.

Your work will be underpinned by the Depaul Endeavour Model, an assets-based and psychologically informed approach, ensuring young people are supported to build on their strengths and achieve positive outcomes.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hour per week), permanent role.

Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday - 15:00 to 22:30

In this role, you will:

• Provide safe, supportive accommodation and champion the wellbeing of every client.

• Deliver personalised support plans that empower individuals to achieve independence.

• Build positive, respectful relationships with colleagues, partners and the people we support.

• Encourage participation in education, training, employment, and volunteering opportunities.

• Contribute to a positive team culture and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

• Commit to continuous learning and uphold Depaul’s values of respect, inclusion, and action.

About You

You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Advert

Substance Misuse Practitioner MATERNITY COVER (North Essex)

Fixed Term contract from 1st March 2026 to 31st January 2027

35 hours per week 

£29,855 per annum 

Essex - You would be based in Colchester and expected to travel within that quadrant.

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We run local services that support young people when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for young people, every step of the way. 

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for young people who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services within the Essex area. 

We wish to recruit 2 Substance Misuse Practitioners to join the established All Age Recovery Co-ordination Service (AARCS), which we deliver in partnership with Open Road, supporting young people, adults and families affected by substance misuse.

You will undertake individual assessments and risk assessment with young people up to the age of 25, developing a person-centred care plan specific to that young person and their needs and supporting them through their recovery journey with the service. This will be delivered through a range of tailored interventions, in both a one to one and/or targeted group work capacity.

-You will have substantial experience in working with vulnerable young people either in a paid or unpaid capacity.

-You will have experience of carrying out individual and group work interventions with young people & adults.

-You will have experience in using Microsoft Office Applications and other relevant data systems.

-You can demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

As well as a strong commitment to your development, we offer a generous holiday entitlement, a contributory stakeholder pension, childcare vouchers and flexible working.

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make young people's lives happier and safer. 

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Candidates applying for work in our Children and Young People Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history" form, which will be emailed to shortlisted candidates prior to interview. 

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 19th May 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications.

Interviews will be held in person at our Chelmsford Office - 114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6LF.

IN1

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm 

Work Base: Office Based

We have an exciting opportunity available within our Warwickshire Young People Services for the role of Service Manager.

In this role, you will lead and oversee our accommodation sites based in Rugby and Nuneaton, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with complex needs.

Our accommodation supports young people providing short‑term, accommodation‑related support that helps them build independence and move forward positively.

As Service Manager, you will champion best practice, provide effective leadership and supervision to colleagues, and build strong, collaborative partnerships with local authorities and housing providers. You will ensure that services consistently meet contractual requirements, performance targets, and organisational standards.

The role will also involve maintaining positive working relationships with partner agencies and producing accurate, timely reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. Please note, this post is subject to an enhanced check made by the Disclosure & Barring Services, paid for by P3. 

P3 reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the stated closing date.

P3 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to combating all forms of discrimination.

P3 have committed to achieving ‘Net Zero’ Carbon emissions by 2050. Our Carbon Reduction Plan is available via the P3 website.

In partnership with Treeapp, for every new employee, we plant a tree at one of their planting sites worldwide.

Our Charity

Established in 1972, P3 Charity is a modern, forward-thinking organisation providing support services to people facing social exclusion across the UK.

We offer a wide range of services, including homelessness prevention, supported housing, mental health support, community advice, hoarding support and services for young people.

We’re a person-centred organisation who works alongside people to improve lives. We do this by strengthening communities, unlocking potential and creating new possibilities. We tackle challenges others won’t and we go the extra mile. We believe in collaboration – both within our teams and with the local community – to achieve the best outcomes. Our values-driven approach means we recruit for values and train for skills.

What we Offer

Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement – 27 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.

Commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing – people are at the heart of what we do; you’ll also have access to our National Wellbeing Lead and Regional Wellbeing Champions.

EDI Focus - an opportunity to join other colleagues to raise awareness and steer initiatives, contributing to our inclusive culture. 

Paycare Health Cash Plan – you can claim back costs for a wide range of everyday health expenses, including optical, dental, physiotherapy, and more, within an annual limit.

Employee Assistance Program – access to 24/7 GP appointments, 1-1 counselling and health assessments.

Bike2WorkScheme - the Bike2Work Scheme is part of the Government’s Green Transport Plan, designed to encourage healthier, more sustainable travel.

Discounts – access to Paycare Perks and Tickets for Good.

Reward and Recognition  – such as team away days, P3's Annual conference and Colleague Awards Ceremony.

Personal Development Opportunities – including mentoring, training, secondments, job shadowing, and more.

Colleague Volunteering Programme –one day paid leave per year to volunteer in the community

Enhanced Sickness Pay – based on your length of service.

Earning Potential – optional overtime and refer a friend bonus scheme. 

Additional Equipment Provision – some employees may be provided with additional equipment including workwear, tools and use of a company van or car.

Are you ready to guide and inspire a skilled team delivering life changing mental health and wellbeing support to children, young people and families? 

This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our amazing Central and West Lancashire Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

You will work closely with the Service Manager to lead high quality services that deliver on our promises and make a real difference in schools, communities and family homes. This is a role where every decision you make can create lasting change, from setting service priorities and building strong partnerships to ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care for the people we support.

You will take responsibility for service performance, staff leadership, safeguarding, contract management, risk management and building meaningful relationships with partner organisations.

With the freedom to innovate and the support of a dedicated leadership team, you will ensure our services not only meet but exceed expectations.

Doing the best we can do can go a long way in building brighter futures for children, young people and their families, we need your help to make this happen!

Please note - this role is expected to start in September 2026
 

We are looking for someone who brings proven leadership experience in mental health or community services, with the confidence to manage contracts, people, performance and change whilst ensuring that values lie at the heart of everything they do. You will need:

• Experience of leading services delivering evidence based interventions for children and young people
• Strong skills in contract, risk and performance management
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships
• Understanding of safeguarding, governance and quality assurance
• Experience in managing teams with varied professional backgrounds

It would be great if you also bring experience of working in education settings, developing/implementing new services or delivering training. More than anything, you will be driven by the belief that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, heard, supported and valued.

If this opportunity sounds like something you`d grab with both hands…we`d like to hear from you!

 

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!

Closing Date: 17.05.2026

Interview Date: 03.06.2026

Supported Lodgings Coordinator (7 Months FTC)

Apply to shape a brand‑new Supported Lodgings service where your skills directly create safe homes, stronger futures and lasting independence for young people at risk of homelessness.

Location: Wigan

Salary: £28,836 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Supported Lodgings Coordinator (Wigan) - 7 Months FTC

Help shape a new Supported Lodgings service and make a real difference to young people aged 16–21. In this fast‑paced role, you’ll assess need and risk, coordinate placements with trained community hosts, and provide practical, strengths‑based support that helps young people build stability, skills and confidence on their journey to independent living.

You’ll also recruit, train and support hosts, work closely with partners across housing, care and safeguarding, and actively promote the service in the local community. If you have experience supporting young people at risk of homelessness, strong safeguarding skills and the energy to build trusted relationships, this is a chance to turn commitment into action and deliver lasting change.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours a week), fixed term contract role (7-Months FTC).

Key Deliverables

Young People

• To be the first point of contact for young people and referral partners wanting to access the Supported Lodgings service.
• You will lead on the assessment of needs and risk, predominantly focused on suitable risk management plans for the safeguarding, matching and placement of young people in the homes of hosts
• Arrange all aspects of a young person’s stay with a host, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported, taking into account the support needs of individuals.
• You will have responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the environment for young people and hosts through regular checks and reporting.
• You will provide regular support and planning sessions for young people
• To work with young people, hosts and other agencies, to prepare them for independent living and access longer term, appropriate accommodation using support plans.
• You will be part of a team responsible for a 24 hour on call service

Host Recruitment and Support

• You will recruit, vet and train hosts both formally and informally ensuring that host recruitment policies and procedures are implemented.
• You will support and provide regular supervision to hosts.
• You will be proactive in maintaining host’ skills and motivation, including training and celebration events, and provide opportunities for them to shape service delivery.
• You will be responsible for carrying out regular checks on host accommodation and assisting them to make necessary changes.
• You will ensure that all hosts are made to feel safe, secure and valued.

External Relationships

• You will proactively work in partnership with multiple agencies including statutory teams, to support the well being and ongoing housing needs of young people, working in accordance with safeguarding, data protection and information sharing protocols.
• You will lead on the active promotion and selling of the Supported Lodgings service to all potential hosts and referral partners, across the voluntary/statutory sectors and within the wider local community.

Others

• You will be an active member of the Prevention Team, working collaboratively and effectively with your line manager.
• You will be responsible for maintaining up to date records on all young people and hosts, supporting service management with all aspects of report requirements.
• The post will require some flexible working including evenings and weekends.
• You will ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people and hosts in the service at all times, including using safeguarding and emergency alert procedures as applicable
• Ensure financial and payment systems are completed in line with Depaul’s financial policy and procedures
• Work in line with Depaul’s policies and procedures, including EDI, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Lone Working, adopting our Endeavour approach to working with young people.
• You will undertake further duties as commensurate to the role and identified by your line manager.

What we are looking for from you – Person Specification

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

• Experience and an understanding of working with people experiencing homelessness, or people in crisis
• Experience of supporting young people with their support needs, working closely with other key professionals.
• Experience of writing, implementing and evaluating risk assessments
• Experience of supervising or supporting hosts or staff
• Experience of working under pressure with the ability to respond to conflicting demands and challenging situations.
• Ability to find creative and positive solutions to problems, using own initiative
• An understanding and commitment to working in an assets based way
• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills and the ability to maintain concise and accurate records
• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures and follow them through to conclusion
• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Personal and professional integrity
• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain them

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death in service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Nightstop Coordinator (Whitley Bay)

If you’re ready to make a real difference and thrive in a team that supports your growth, we’d love you to join us.

Location: Regional Office (Whitley Bay Hub) - North East

Salary: £26,436 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

As a Nightstop Coordinator, you’ll be the first point of contact for young people facing homelessness—assessing needs, coordinating safe emergency placements, and guiding them toward longer‑term support. It’s a fast‑paced, people‑focused role where every decision you make helps keep a young person safe and heard.

You’ll also nurture strong relationships with referral partners, support and motivate our volunteer hosts, and help grow our Nightstop network across the North East. If you’re organised, calm under pressure, and driven by compassion and inclusion, this is your chance to create meaningful impact every single day.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours a week), permanent role.

Key deliverables:

Supporting Young People

• Conduct needs and risk assessments with potential Nightstop guests.
• Arrange the logistics of a guest’s stay with a volunteer.
• Work with guests and referral partners to offer support and opportunities for longer term accommodation.
•  Provide support to guests and volunteers through a 24 hour on call phone service.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests and volunteers in the service at all times.
• Comply with data protection and information sharing protocols.

Marketing and Stakeholder Management

• Attend meetings and events and manage relationships with referral partners and other stakeholders.

Administration

• Maintain up to date records on all guests and volunteers.
• Support with the creation of reports.
• Support with financial payment and recording systems.

Volunteer Recruitment, Promotion and Engagement

• Develop promotion plans with the aim of recruiting Nightstop volunteers
• Effectively onboard new Nightstop volunteers in a timely manner
• Support current volunteers and continue to engage them with the service by providing updates and involvement opportunities
• Complete the nessecary health and safety checks with new and current volunteers

Other

• Be an active member of the team, collaboratively effectively and work closely with your line manager.
• Undertake further duties as commensurate to the role identified by your line manager.
• Provide support outside of office hours on some evening and weekends.

What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

• Excellent customer service skills and telephone manner.
• An understanding of the needs of people who experience homelessness, the problems they face and the resources available to address their support needs.
• Experience of working with vulnerable people or people experiencing homeless.
• Understanding of current housing and homelessness legislation, including entitlement to welfare provision.
• Experience of writing, implementing and evaluating Risk Assessments.
• An ability to demonstrate clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures and follow them through to conclusion.
• Commitment to promoting health and safety of yourself and others.
• An ability to work in an organised manner and arrange placement logistics.
• Experience of collaborative working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of maintaining administrative systems, good literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
• Experience of working under pressure with the ability to respond to conflicting demands.
• Ability to find creative and positive solutions to problems, using own initiative.
• Understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain them.
• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development.
• Willingness to be part of a 24 hour on-call rota.
• Willingness to work outside office hours including some evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to working in a manner which promotes diversity and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one suffers from discrimination.
• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death in service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.