At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with substance use through assessments and interventions.
- Company: Join Here4YOUth Oxfordshire, a charity focused on social justice and harm reduction.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, gym memberships, health plans, and a yearly wellbeing day.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bicester Children & Family Centre / Community
Working Hours: 35 hours per week with one late evening and occasional weekends
Contract: Permanent
Job Reference Number: 1734
Benefits: As part of joining Cranstoun, and successfully completing your probation period, you will be able to access a diverse benefits package including store discounts, a car lease scheme, gym membership discounts, health cash plans and yearly wellbeing day on top of annual leave.
About Us: Here4YOUth Oxfordshire, part of Cranstoun, is a social justice and harm reduction charity with a global ambition. Our vision is to be a world‑class leader in rebuilding lives, and our purpose is to inspire and empower people to live healthier and safer lives. We value being ambitious, creative, compassionate, collaborative, and respectful.
Job Purpose: Supporting children and young people who are using and involved with substance use.
Responsibilities:
- Managing a caseload of children and young people predominantly in the northwest of Oxfordshire.
- Engaging with young people in settings such as schools, colleges, partner agencies and community venues.
- Conduct specialist assessments, care planning, and deliver evidence‑based psychosocial interventions through one‑on‑one appointments, groups and online sessions.
- Collaborate with partner agencies to support young people in achieving positive changes.
Person Specification:
- Experience of community engagement and delivering group work.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to liaise with and build effective working relationships with other agencies.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.
- Access to independent travel (i.e. car driver) and willing and able to have business car insurance.
Additional Information: This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Due to the nature of the role, being a driver is essential, with access to a car and business insurance required.
Equalities Statement: We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work.
Applicant Requirements: Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.
Closing Date: 19 July 2026 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications).
Young People’s Substance Use Worker (Oxfordshire – Cherwell) in Bicester employer: Cranstoun Group
Cranstoun is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees. With a diverse benefits package, including discounts and health plans, alongside opportunities for professional growth in the rewarding field of youth support, working in Bicester allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young People’s Substance Use Worker (Oxfordshire – Cherwell) in Bicester
✨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 Cranstoun Group.
✨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 Cranstoun Group!
✨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 Cranstoun Group, 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 Cranstoun Group 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 Young People’s Substance Use Worker (Oxfordshire – Cherwell) in Bicester
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 Cranstoun Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cranstoun Group! 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 Cranstoun Group
✨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.
