At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women in refuge through their recovery journey, providing specialist substance misuse support.
- Company: Change Grow Live, a compassionate organisation focused on meaningful recovery.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, wellness hour, ongoing training, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating systems change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives by helping them regain safety and stability.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse services and a trauma-informed approach.
The predicted salary is between 32002 - 34214 £ per year.
Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner – Multiple Compound Needs (MCN) East Sussex | Full Time | 37.5 Hours
Help women rebuild safety, stability and belief in what’s possible. Some women arrive at refuge having survived more than anyone should have to: domestic abuse, homelessness, mental ill health, substance dependency, trauma layered on trauma. What they need is more than a service. They need people who can see beyond the crisis—who can build trust, work without judgement, and help create a future that feels safe again. At Change Grow Live, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. Guided by our values—be open, be compassionate and be bold—we work alongside people facing some of the most complex challenges, creating spaces where healing, recovery and long-term change can happen.
We are now looking for a Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner to join a pioneering Multiple Compound Needs (MCN) Multi-Disciplinary Team across East Sussex.
Why this role matters
This is not a traditional substance misuse role. You’ll work as part of a specialist multi-disciplinary team supporting women living within refuge and safe accommodation services who are experiencing multiple compound needs—including domestic abuse, mental health challenges, homelessness, offending behaviour and substance dependency. This is deeply relational, trauma-informed work where flexibility, compassion and professional curiosity matter just as much as experience. You won’t simply deliver interventions. You’ll help women rediscover safety, stability, confidence and control over their lives.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines professional skill with empathy, resilience and emotional intelligence. You will bring:
- Experience working within substance misuse services
- Knowledge and experience supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse
- Understanding of multiple compound needs, trauma and co-occurring mental health challenges
- Confidence working in partnership across multiple agencies and systems
- The ability to remain calm, adaptable and compassionate in complex situations
- A genuinely trauma-informed and non-judgemental approach
Most importantly, you’ll believe that even in the most difficult circumstances, change is possible.
The details
Location: East Sussex (working across multiple refuge and safe accommodation locations)
Full Time Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: 12 months Fixed Term Contract
Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and business insurance, as this role requires travel across various locations.
Responsibilities
What makes this role different
- You’ll work within a multi-disciplinary trauma-informed team, alongside specialists from mental health, health, social care, domestic abuse and lived experience services
- You’ll support women who are often excluded from or unable to access mainstream systems
- You’ll have the opportunity to shape a service that is actively working to remove barriers and create systems change
- You’ll work in environments where your ability to build trust and respond flexibly will directly influence outcomes
This is meaningful work that stays with you.
What you’ll be doing
- Support women from entry into refuge and safe accommodation through their treatment and recovery journey
- Deliver specialist substance misuse support, including assessment, recovery planning and onward referral
- Provide one-to-one support and group interventions within refuge settings
- Work collaboratively with mental health, social care, housing, domestic abuse and health partners
- Support access to prescribing and specialist treatment services
- Act as lead professional for individuals where appropriate, coordinating multi-agency support
- Advocate for women navigating complex systems and services
- Help individuals build resilience, recovery capital and long-term independence
- May include the need to work some evenings and weekends to meet the needs of individuals living in the refuge/ safe accommodation.
No two days will look the same—and that’s exactly why this role matters.
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days with service
- A paid weekly Wellness Hour, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme
- Contributory pension scheme
- A wide range of employee benefits and discounts
- Ongoing training, development and progression opportunities
- A supportive, values-led environment where reflective practice and wellbeing matter
Our approach
We are building services that are:
- Trauma-informed and person-centred
- Rooted in compassion and partnership
- Focused on breaking down barriers for people facing multiple disadvantage
- Designed to create meaningful, long-term recovery and safety
Be part of someone finding safety again. If you’re ready to be part of a team delivering truly life-changing support to women facing multiple disadvantage, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now.
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)
Interview Date
8/6/2026
Closing Date
2/6/2026
If you have any questions on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:
Parice Vandenbussche | Parice.vandenbussche@cgl.org.uk | 07786531452
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner in Hastings employer: Change Grow Live
At Change Grow Live, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment. Our team members benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, a generous leave policy, and a wellness programme that prioritises mental health. Working in East Sussex, you'll be part of a pioneering multi-disciplinary team that not only values your professional skills but also your empathy and resilience, making a meaningful impact in the lives of women facing complex challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner in Hastings
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to share how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting women facing multiple challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and resilience during interviews. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with individuals in crisis and demonstrate your trauma-informed approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team at Change Grow Live.
We think you need these skills to ace Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for helping others and your understanding of the challenges faced by women in crisis. Share your personal experiences or motivations that led you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands multiple compound needs, so be specific about your relevant experience in substance misuse and trauma-informed care.
Showcase Your Empathy:This role is all about building trust and showing compassion. Use your application to demonstrate your emotional intelligence and resilience. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in difficult situations and how you approach challenges with a non-judgemental attitude.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Change Grow Live
✨Understand the Role Deeply
Before your interview, take the time to really understand what being a Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by women in refuge and how your skills can help them rebuild their lives. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and compassion in previous roles. Highlight situations where you’ve supported individuals facing complex challenges, as this aligns perfectly with the values of Change Grow Live.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about how you would approach a woman struggling with substance dependency while also dealing with trauma. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about the multi-disciplinary team dynamics or how they measure success in supporting women. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
