At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people facing substance use and related challenges through one-on-one case work.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on youth wellbeing in Oldham.
- Benefits: Health benefits, extra holiday, wellbeing days, and volunteer opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or social care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Key Focus
The advertised role is as a Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker – this is to deliver a one‑to‑one case work role with young people who have a range of issues and who may be at risk of or involved in primarily substance use, criminal activity, be exploited, may have learning difficulties or other vulnerabilities.
Key Deliverables
- To deliver 1:1, face-to-face work with young clients and their parents/carers as appropriate and manage the appointments to best meet clients’ needs in accordance with Early Break Policies and Procedures. This may include evening and/or weekend sessions.
- Complete a full assessment of each client’s needs and develop, monitor and review SMART care plans for each individual client using agreed systems.
- Offer structured treatment interventions, including substitute prescribing, if required and appropriate.
- Making Alternative therapy interventions part of client care planning as appropriate, upskilling yourself to offer this within the course of your role.
- Work in community-based settings in order to engage and deliver services to potential clients.
- Liaise and develop partnerships with a range of agencies in seeking out the provision which best meets the treatment needs of the young clients identified through referrals.
- Offer drop‑ins, as required and/or appropriate, in relevant young people’s settings.
- Contribute to a range of multi‑agency meetings, acting as key worker/advocate for the young client.
- Support young clients into inpatient treatment, if available/as appropriate, and maintain contact with them, preparing and arranging for appropriate after‑care provision back in the community where this is required.
- Adhere to Early Break policies on Safeguarding, linking to local and national policies and guidelines, contributing as the role of Lead Professional as and when required.
- Record and report all required client information, using the Company’s agreed database system in line with service expectations and the legal framework of Data Protection.
- Maintain and update levels of knowledge and understanding of issues relevant to young people through training offered by Early Break and other agencies, as opportunities arise.
- Contribute to the charitable aspect of the service, including social media and charitable fundraising activity.
Company Benefits
- Health Benefit - % claimed back on healthcare costs like dental, optical, and prescriptions - part of our ongoing benefit to staff wellbeing.
- Long Service Leave: an additional 4 weeks paid holiday after every 3 years in service (subject to attendance thresholds).
- Supervision: 10 sessions per 12 months with an external supervisor to facilitate reflective practice.
- Wellbeing Day: 2 x half days of additional paid leave every 12 months as a ‘wellbeing day’ for staff.
- Volunteer Day: 1 day additional paid leave every 12 months as a ‘volunteer’ opportunity with another third sector organisation of your choice.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 @ 12 noon
Interview Date: Monday, 27th July 2026
Young People's Special Substance Use Worker employer: Early Break, Oldham
Early Break is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. Located in Oldham, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises the needs of young people while offering generous benefits such as health reimbursements, additional leave for wellbeing and volunteering, and regular supervision sessions to enhance reflective practice. Employees are encouraged to develop their skills through ongoing training and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young People's Special Substance Use Worker
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Early Break, Oldham, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Young People's Special Substance Use Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Early Break, Oldham. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Early Break, Oldham. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Break, Oldham
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Early Break, Oldham.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Young People's Special Substance Use Worker role at Early Break, Oldham, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Early Break, Oldham that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
