At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with individuals experiencing homelessness and support their journey to recovery.
- Company: Change Grow Live, a charity focused on making a positive impact in people's lives.
- Benefits: Wellness Hour, extensive training, 25+ days annual leave, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values your contributions and promotes work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27861 - 32002 £ per year.
Change Grow Live is a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options. Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Homelessness Outreach Worker who has the skills and experience to engage with people sleeping rough with the aim of moving them into more settled lifestyles.
Hours: Full time 37.5 per week
Location: Reading
Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2027
Responsibilities
- Supporting service users from point of entry into the service and through their treatment/recovery journey
- Providing screening, assessment, and recovery planning and onward referral
- Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to service users and the wider community
- Promoting carer, service user and community involvement
- Providing advocacy for access to partnership services
- Working with service users to support social (re)integration, enabling them to lead meaningful and purposeful lives: promoting recovery, resilience, peer support and self-determination
About you:
- Have a strong understanding of substance misuse issues and experience of working within a similar field
- Be an excellent communicator, both verbal and written with good IT skills
- Proactive and able to work on own initiative with excellent time management and prioritising skills
- Have a good working knowledge of mental health interventions, services, and good practice
- Be a supportive team player with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in partnership with a wide range of professionals, agencies, and internal/external stakeholders
- Ability to manage change successfully in a way that prioritises the needs of service users
- Understand the importance of information governance processes and commit to follow and apply all necessary safeguards
- Seek out learning opportunities to improve and broaden your professional knowledge and skills and to contribute and oversee the learning and development of others
What We Offer
- Enjoy a dedicated weekly Wellness Hour, access to our Wellness Hub, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental and emotional health.
- We’re committed to your development, with extensive training, funded learning, and pathways into senior or specialist roles.
- Benefit from transparent pay, a contributory pension scheme, and additional support through our wellbeing resources.
- Start with 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), increasing to the maximum 30 days over five years of service.
- Join a supportive, values-led team where you’ll feel encouraged and valued from your very first day.
- Where possible, we’re open to discussing working patterns that help you maintain a healthy work–life balance.
- Enjoy discounts on shopping, cinema trips, holidays and more, along with our Refer a Friend scheme.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.
More information about eligible roles and occupations can be found here: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK
Salary Range: CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)
Closing Date: 7/6/2026
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
Outreach Worker in Reading employer: Change Grow Live
Change Grow Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members, offering a supportive and values-led work culture in Reading. With a commitment to employee growth through extensive training and wellness resources, staff enjoy a healthy work-life balance, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career advancement. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of service users while being part of a compassionate and bold team dedicated to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Worker in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Change Grow Live and understand their values. When you show that you align with their mission of helping service users change their lives, it’ll really stand out in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give us an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to outreach work and substance misuse. Role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Worker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping others and your unique experiences that make you a great fit for the Outreach Worker role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight your understanding of substance misuse issues and any relevant experience you have, as this will show us you’re serious about the role.
Showcase Your Skills:We’re looking for excellent communicators, so be sure to demonstrate your verbal and written skills in your application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've successfully worked with service users or in similar environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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 makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Change Grow Live
✨Know the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Change Grow Live's core values: being open, compassionate, and bold. Think about how these values resonate with your own experiences and be ready to share specific examples of how you've embodied them in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Outreach Worker, excellent communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with service users and other professionals in the past. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might face in the role to demonstrate your verbal and written skills.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Substance Misuse
Make sure to emphasise your understanding of substance misuse issues and any relevant experience you have. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or situations where you've successfully supported individuals through their recovery journey, showcasing your proactive approach and ability to work independently.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Think about challenges you might face as an Outreach Worker and how you would handle them. This will show your potential employer that you're not only qualified but also ready to tackle real-life situations.
