Young People's Specialist Substance Use Worker (Oldham)

Early Break is a young people and family charity that believes excellence at all points of delivery is a requirement. If you take pride in your work, are hardworking, want to be professionally challenged and are passionate to make a difference in the lives of others then our organisation could well suit you. We have a strong set of values determined by staff which we continuously work towards. It is our shared expectation our staff will be “professionally curious” both in their delivery and ongoing professional development.

Fixed Term - 12 Months

Key Focus

The advertised role is as a Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker delivering a one-to-one case work role with young people who have a range of issues and who may be at risk of or involved in primarily substance use, criminal activity, be exploited, may have learning difficulties or other vulnerabilities.

Responsibilities

• To deliver 1:1, face-to-face work with young clients and their parents/carers as appropriate and manage the appointments to best meet clients’ needs in accordance with Early Break Policies and Procedures. This may include evening and/or weekend sessions.
• Complete a full assessment of each client’s needs and develop, monitor and review SMART care plans for each individual client using agreed systems.
• Offer structured treatment interventions, including substitute prescribing, if required and appropriate.
• Make alternative therapy interventions part of client care planning as appropriate, upskilling yourself to offer this within the course of your role.
• Work in community-based settings in order to engage and deliver services to potential clients.
• Liaise and develop partnerships with a range of agencies in seeking out the provision which best meets the treatment needs of the young clients identified through referrals.
• Offer drop-ins, as required and/or appropriate, in relevant young people’s settings.
• Contribute to a range of multi-agency meetings, acting as key worker/advocate for the young client.
• Support young clients into inpatient treatment, if available/as appropriate, and maintain contact with them, preparing and arranging for appropriate after-care provision back in the community where this is required.
• Adhere to Early Break policies on Safeguarding, linking to local and national policies and guidelines, contributing as the role of Lead Professional as and when required.
• Record and report all required client information, using the Company’s agreed database system in line with service expectations and the legal framework of Data Protection.
• Maintain and update levels of knowledge and understanding of issues relevant to young people through training offered by Early Break and other agencies, as opportunities arise.
• Contribute to the charitable aspect of the service, including social media and charitable fundraising activity.

Benefits

• Health Benefit – percentage claimed back on healthcare costs such as dental, optical, and prescriptions, part of ongoing staff wellbeing.
• Long Service Leave – an additional 4 weeks paid holiday after every 3 years in service (subject to attendance thresholds).
• Supervision – 10 sessions per 12 months with an external supervisor to facilitate reflective practice.
• Wellbeing Day – 2 half‑days of additional paid leave each year as a “wellbeing day” for staff.
• Volunteer Day – 1 day of additional paid leave each year to volunteer with another third‑sector organisation of your choice.