At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families affected by substance use through advice and harm reduction interventions.
- Company: Award-winning charity dedicated to reducing harm from alcohol and drugs in the North East of Scotland.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and gain valuable experience.
- Other info: Weekend shifts required; dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help empower recovery in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in support work and a commitment to helping others.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
ADA is an award-winning charity, delivering specialist services to reduce harms and promote recovery of individuals and families affected by alcohol and drugs use in the North East of Scotland. ADA Direct Access services are open 7 days per week. We aim to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol and drug use for individuals, families, and communities.
The successful candidate will offer advice, information and support to enable people to make informed decisions to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and drug use through the provision of services such as Needle Exchange, Helpline, Duty drop, outreach - amongst others. You will provide targeted harm reduction interventions such as Naloxone, Dried Blood Spot Testing, and other relevant actions to help reduce harms.
You will manage a small caseload to support clients with their substance use and provide relevant interventions as well as assessing, care planning and reviewing progress and maintaining accurate client records. This role will be based in Aberdeen at our Hadden Street Office and will require weekend working, which is managed across the team on a rota basis. PVG membership is also essential for this post.
If you're passionate about enabling recovery then we need you. Apply now by completing the application form below and uploading it when prompted. Closing date: Friday 18th September 2026, with interviews to be scheduled for week beginning 28th September 2026. Please note that we do not accept CVs. Application forms must be submitted to be considered for this post.
If you have any queries about this role, please e-mail [email protected].
Substance Use Worker - Direct Access Sessional in Aberdeen employer: Alcohol and Drugs Action
ADA is a leading charity dedicated to making a positive impact in the Northeast of Scotland by providing essential recovery services for individuals and families affected by substance use. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering employees opportunities for professional growth and development while making a meaningful difference in the community. Join us in our mission to reduce harm and promote recovery, where your passion and expertise can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Substance Use Worker - Direct Access Sessional in Aberdeen
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Alcohol and Drugs Action, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Substance Use Worker - Direct Access Sessional in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Alcohol and Drugs Action. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Alcohol and Drugs Action. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alcohol and Drugs Action
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Alcohol and Drugs Action.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Substance Use Worker - Direct Access Sessional role at Alcohol and Drugs Action, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Alcohol and Drugs Action that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
