At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families facing substance misuse challenges and promote positive change.
- Company: Join a leading team in Basildon with an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse services and working with high-risk families.
The predicted salary is between 33049 - 37698 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
Salary: 33,049 to 37,698 per annum
Location: Basildon
Closing Date: 8th June 2026
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity until March 2028.
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
The Team
Come and join the Multi-Disciplinary Team in Basildon, Essex! The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) comprises of subject matter experts specialising in housing, domestic abuse, education, drug and alcohol support, youth work and mental health for adults and children. MDT workers bring specialist knowledge and therapeutic insight. Their expertise is instrumental in re-engaging families, restoring hope, and fostering sustainable change. This team's work is not only impactful - it's transformative.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and passionate individual to join our team. Being led by the Team Manager, you will be working to create the conditions for sustainable change with families. The MDT team is based within frontline social work teams where the referrals come from. The interventions from MDT are delivered within the community or in the families' homes.
We want you to be a part of our vision and making this a reality. If you have the drive, creativity and enthusiasm to enhance and improve the lives of Children and Families, we want to hear from you.
Role Description
- Working alongside Social Workers, promote family members involvement to improve outcomes for children.
- Engage individuals with complex presentations and who have substance/alcohol misuse challenges and provide them with support and clinical interventions to address their substance/alcohol misuse.
- Carry out risk assessments including safety plans and contribute to the development of individual recovery plans with those who express a wish to access community treatment/support services.
- Utilise interventions such as motivational interviewing, ITEP, cognitive behavioural techniques and brief interventions to promote engagement in treatment services, encourage self-esteem, well-being, self-responsibility, enhanced motivation and therefore improve their parenting capacity.
- Review ongoing care and treatment, liaising closely with partner agencies and provide support in engaging with the right services at the right time.
Accountabilities
- Work and liaise with other agencies involved with the client's broader care plan including health services, hospitals and GP's.
- Use recognised, up to date evidenced based interventions and have specific responsibility for the development, delivery and coordination of a recovery focussed model.
- Contribute to the service to ensure that parents/carers and their children consistently receive high quality services that adhere to best practice guidelines and achieve high professional standards.
- Contribute to the overall performance of the service to ensure that contractual output targets are achieved and record and input client data and information to operate within contractual, administrative and financial requirements.
- Work flexibly across the operational site as required and within an agreed number of hours to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision.
- Take responsibility for personal development, identifying personal training needs and participate in regular supervision and appraisal.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Strong experience of working within substance misuse services.
- Experience of working with high-risk families where children are subject to Child Protection or Child in Need Plans.
- Working effectively to support adults with a history of substance misuse with demonstrable outcomes.
- Demonstrable experience of being a catalyst for change in families' lives.
- Experience of working with challenging presentations such as resistance, minimization and denial and being able to achieve positive outcomes.
- Knowledge of local services and issues.
- Training in ITEP/BTEI or other structured psychosocial interventions.
- Qualifications relating to substance misuse.
Interviews will be held on 18th June.
Drug and Alcohol Worker, Basildon employer: Essex County Council
Join our dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Team in Basildon, where we pride ourselves on our outstanding practice and commitment to employee development. With a focus on transformative work that directly impacts families, we offer a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly regarded service. Be part of a team that not only values your expertise but also invests in your future, making a real difference in the lives of children and families in Essex.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drug and Alcohol Worker, Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of drug and alcohol support, especially those working in Basildon. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community's needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the Multi-Disciplinary Team's approach. Familiarise yourself with their methods and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to substance misuse and family support. Use real-life examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills and impact. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the transformative work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Drug and Alcohol Worker, Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Drug and Alcohol Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your work with high-risk families and substance misuse services.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through! We want to see your drive for making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share specific examples of how you've been a catalyst for change in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of substance misuse services and the specific challenges faced by families in this area. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based interventions, like motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural techniques, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in people's lives, so let your passion shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping families and individuals overcome substance misuse challenges. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving high-risk families or challenging presentations. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully engaged clients or implemented recovery plans. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about the MDT's approach to collaboration with other agencies or how they measure success in their interventions. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
