At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with substance misuse and complex needs to improve their wellbeing and independence.
- Company: Croydon Housing, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, career development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join an inclusive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting individuals with substance misuse and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 42060 - 43680 £ per year.
Croydon Housing is looking for a committed and resident‑focused Substance Misuse Worker to provide targeted support to residents experiencing substance misuse and wider complex needs. The role works with residents who may be affected by drug and alcohol dependency, homelessness, tenancy instability, mental health issues or safeguarding concerns. You will provide structured support and practical interventions to help residents sustain accommodation, engage with services and improve wellbeing and independence. You will work closely with Housing teams, health professionals, treatment providers and partner agencies to coordinate support and manage risk effectively. This is a frontline role requiring strong communication skills, resilience and the ability to build positive relationships with residents who may have multiple and complex needs.
What You Will Be Doing
- Manage a caseload of residents with substance misuse and complex support needs
- Complete assessments, support plans and risk assessments
- Support residents to engage with drug and alcohol treatment services, healthcare and wider support agencies
- Work with residents to sustain accommodation and reduce tenancy related risk
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and risk issues
- Work collaboratively with Housing, Adult Social Care, health services and external agencies
- Maintain accurate case records and support monitoring and reporting requirements
- Support residents to improve independence, wellbeing and access to longer‑term support where appropriate
- Contribute to tenancy sustainment, harm reduction and wider support outcomes across Housing services
What You Will Need
- Experience working with individuals affected by substance misuse or complex needs
- Understanding of harm reduction, safeguarding and recovery‑focused approaches
- Experience managing a caseload and delivering structured support
- Ability to build positive relationships and engage residents effectively
- Strong communication and partnership working skills
- Ability to manage challenging situations professionally and calmly
- Good organisational, record keeping and IT skills
- A compassionate, resilient and solution‑focused approach
Benefits
- Inclusive Culture: A supportive work environment where all staff can thrive
- Career Development: Investment in staff development opportunities
- Generous Benefits Package: Local Government Pension Scheme, up to 31 days of annual leave, Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 access
- Family Friendly Provisions: Generous maternity leave and family leave provisions
- Work Life Balance: Flexible and agile working options in line with service demand
- Make a Difference: Opportunity to improve the lives of residents through compassionate housing management
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements or support for hybrid working are welcomed. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Substance Use Support Officer employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and residents. With a strong focus on career development and a generous benefits package, including flexible working options and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community, employees can thrive while contributing to meaningful change in the lives of those facing complex needs. The role of Substance Use Support Officer provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse individuals and collaborate with various agencies, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path in Croydon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Substance Use Support Officer
✨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 Croydon Council.
✨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 Croydon Council!
✨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 Croydon Council, 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 Croydon Council 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 Support Officer
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 Croydon Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Croydon Council! 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 Croydon Council
✨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.
