At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people facing substance use issues through one-to-one case work and tailored care plans.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Early Break, focused on youth support and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet client needs.
- Why this job: Empower young people to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or related fields; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
Application Deadline: Friday, 10th July 2026 @ 12 Noon
Location: Blackburn with Darwen
Contract Type: 1 x Full-time roles, 37 hours per week
Renumeration: Early Break Salary Points 5-9, £28,589.60 to £31,812.56 per annum
Interview Date: Thursday, 16th July 2026
Key FocusThe advertised role is as a Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker delivering 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.
- 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.
Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker in Blackburn employer: Earlybreak
Early Break is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting young people through challenging times. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training and growth opportunities in a collaborative and supportive work culture. Located in Blackburn with Darwen, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working closely with local communities, making a meaningful impact while benefiting from a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker in Blackburn
✨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 Earlybreak.
✨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 Earlybreak!
✨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 Earlybreak, 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 Earlybreak 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 Specialist Substance Use Worker in Blackburn
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 Earlybreak:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Earlybreak! 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 Earlybreak
✨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.
