At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing domestic abuse and substance misuse, helping them achieve independence.
- Company: Join Alongside, a compassionate organisation dedicated to social inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, competitive pension, and discounts at charity shops.
- Other info: Flexible work culture with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their toughest times.
- Qualifications: Experience with complex needs and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: £26,200 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Bath
Additional Information:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Full UK driving licence, access to own vehicle and business insurance required
- Role requires travel across BANES as part of service delivery
About Alongside
Alongside is the new name for Julian House. We work with people experiencing social exclusion across the South and West of England, providing outreach, accommodation and support. Our clients may be sleeping rough, fleeing abuse, rebuilding after trauma, leaving prison, recovering from addiction, or trying to settle safely in a new community. Whatever their starting point, we work alongside people to help build safety, stability and independence.
About the Role
As a Specialist Drug & Alcohol Support Worker, you'll be part of our Renew Domestic Abuse Service, supporting individuals who have experienced domestic abuse and are living in short-term emergency refuge accommodation. This specialist role focuses on working with clients who are experiencing challenges relating to drug and alcohol use alongside domestic abuse. You'll provide person-centred support, helping individuals identify their goals, access specialist services, improve their wellbeing, and move towards greater independence and safety.
Working closely with partner agencies, you'll play a key role in ensuring clients receive coordinated support that addresses both substance misuse and the wider impact of domestic abuse. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to people at a critical point in their lives.
What You'll Be Doing
- Carry out comprehensive needs and risk assessments and develop tailored support plans.
- Provide one-to-one support to clients experiencing domestic abuse and substance misuse challenges.
- Build strong partnerships with specialist drug and alcohol services and make referrals where appropriate.
- Work alongside external agencies to coordinate support and advocate for clients when needed.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure safeguarding concerns are identified and acted upon appropriately.
- Support clients to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and achieve positive outcomes.
Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the responsibilities of the role.
What We're Looking For
- Experience supporting people with complex needs, including substance misuse and/or mental health challenges.
- Knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on survivors and their children.
- Ability to build positive, empowering relationships and support clients to make informed decisions.
- Strong communication, assessment, record-keeping and partnership-working skills.
- Full UK driving licence, access to your own vehicle and willingness to travel for work purposes.
There are many great reasons to join our team!
- Access to our Rewards Platform, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme and Health Cash Plan
- 27 days annual leave, including an extra day off for your birthday, plus bank holidays – increasing up to 30 days after 4 years of continuous employment
- 30% staff discount at our charity shops
- A generous and competitive pension scheme
- A supportive culture where staff feedback is highly valued and regular supervisions with line managers are conducted
- Great opportunities for career development and free monthly training sessions from experienced facilitators
- Blue Light Card eligibility, offering discounts on thousands of brands
- Reflective Practice sessions from objective, external facilitators
Our Ethos
As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action Plan in place demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and cultures, especially groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience.
We embrace flexibility and are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter. If you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process (including interview), please contact us so that we can let you know how we can support you. We accept CVs and applications in all formats.
DBS Checks
We welcome applications from people with lived experience. All applicants working with our clients will be expected to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming an employee; the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role.
Specialist Drug & Alcohol Support Worker (Domestic Abuse) in Bath employer: Alongside
Alongside is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as an Assistant Retail Manager in Bath, where you can truly make a difference in the community. With a supportive culture that values staff feedback, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career development, you'll find a rewarding environment that prioritises your growth and well-being. Join us to enjoy competitive benefits, including a staff discount and access to our Rewards Platform, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Drug & Alcohol Support Worker (Domestic Abuse) in Bath
✨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 Alongside.
✨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 Alongside!
✨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 Alongside, 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 Alongside 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 Specialist Drug & Alcohol Support Worker (Domestic Abuse) in Bath
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 Alongside:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Alongside! 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 Alongside
✨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.
