Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker
Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker

Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker

Full-Time 28589 - 31812 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people facing substance use issues through one-to-one case work and tailored care plans.
  • Company: Early Break, a dedicated organisation focused on youth support and wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, with a focus on community engagement.
  • Why this job: Empower young people and help them overcome challenges in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in youth work or related fields, with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 28589 - 31812 £ per year.

Application Deadline: Thursday, 4th June 2026 @ 12 Noon

Location: Salford

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, 11th June 2026

Key Focus

The 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 employer: Earlybreak

Early Break is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting young people in Salford through a compassionate and collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer extensive training opportunities and encourage staff to upskill in various therapeutic interventions. Our commitment to community engagement and the well-being of our clients makes working here not just a job, but a meaningful and rewarding career path.
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Contact Detail:

Earlybreak Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research Early Break and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the field of substance use and youth work. Attend relevant events or workshops, and don’t hesitate to reach out on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on a job!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your interview by doing mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to working with young people and substance use, and be ready to share your experiences and how they relate to the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Early Break. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker

Case Management
Substance Use Knowledge
Assessment Skills
Care Planning
Intervention Strategies
Communication Skills
Partnership Development
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Safeguarding Awareness
Data Protection Compliance
Client Advocacy
Community Engagement
Training and Development
Fundraising Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially when it comes to substance use and related issues.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in working with young people or in substance use support. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of a Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand why you’d be a great fit for the team.

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’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Earlybreak

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the key issues young people face regarding substance use and related vulnerabilities. Brush up on relevant policies and procedures, especially those from Early Break, so you can speak confidently about how you would apply them in your role.

Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to discuss your experience with one-to-one case work and any structured treatment interventions you've delivered. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed SMART care plans or worked collaboratively with other agencies to support young clients.

Engage with Empathy

This role requires a compassionate approach. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to connect with young people and their families. Prepare to talk about how you would build trust and rapport, especially in challenging situations.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you might handle, or how Early Break supports its staff in professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

Young People’s Specialist Substance Use Worker
Earlybreak

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