At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families affected by substance use, promoting recovery and reducing harm.
- Company: Award-winning charity dedicated to making a difference in the Northeast of Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible full-time and part-time roles with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Other info: PVG membership required; apply by 18th November 2026.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create positive change in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Background in Community Learning, Nursing, Social Work, or Counselling preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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 Northeast of Scotland. We are excited to offer new Substance Use Worker roles based in our Aberdeen City Recovery Service due to a new long-term contract award and further funding announced for new innovative project work.
We are looking for candidates that have a background in Community Learning, Nursing, Social Work, Counselling, or other related fields. To be successful you must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the needs of those affected by alcohol or drug use. Ideally, you will have experience of working with substance users and knowledge of effective interventions. PVG membership is essential for this post.
If you're passionate about reducing harm and maximising opportunities for change then we need you.
To apply for this role, please complete the application form online, uploading it when prompted. Please note an application form must be completed to be considered for the role. If you have any queries or questions please contact [email protected].
Closing date: Wednesday 18th November 2026.
Substance Use Workers - Recovery Services (Full-time and part-time) 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 Workers - Recovery Services (Full-time and part-time) in Aberdeen
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Alcohol and Drugs Action.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Alcohol and Drugs Action!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Alcohol and Drugs Action, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Alcohol and Drugs Action or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Substance Use Workers - Recovery Services (Full-time and part-time) in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Alcohol and Drugs Action:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Alcohol and Drugs Action! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alcohol and Drugs Action
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
