Recovery Worker Substance Misuse

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families? Do you have expertise in substance misuse and a commitment to safeguarding children? If so, we invite you to join our dynamic Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) North, where your skills will directly impact families across Essex. As a Substance Misuse Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in supporting families affected by drug and alcohol use. You’ll work closely with Children’s Social Care to ensure swift access to appropriate services, empowering families to make informed choices and improve outcomes for their children.

The Opportunity

• Promote family member involvement to improve outcomes for children.
• Engage high‑risk families with substance/alcohol misuse and provide them with advice, screening and clinical interventions.
• Carry out risk assessments, risk‑management plans and comprehensive assessments; contribute to individual recovery plans with those wishing to access community treatment/support services.
• Utilize interventions such as motivational interviewing, ITEP, cognitive behavioural techniques and brief interventions in one‑to‑one and group settings.
• Review ongoing care and treatment, liaising closely with partner agencies and providing 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 evidence‑based interventions and take responsibility for the development, delivery and coordination of a recovery‑focused model.
• Ensure 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, ensuring contractual output targets are met and recording client data in line with contractual, administrative and financial requirements.
• Work flexibly across the operational site and within an agreed number of hours to maintain appropriate service provision.
• Take responsibility for personal development, identifying training needs and participating in regular supervision and appraisal.
• Provide expert advice and harm‑reduction guidance to professionals and families; direct interventions, assessments and recovery planning.
• Support detoxification (community and residential).
• Consult and joint‑work with social workers on complex cases; advocate for children and families, ensuring their voices are heard.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experienced professional with a strong understanding of substance misuse and its impact on families.
• Confident working in multi‑agency settings with excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience in social care, mental health or substance misuse services is essential.
• Be part of a supportive, forward‑thinking team.
• Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
• Access ongoing professional development and training.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Experience working within substance misuse services.
• Experience supporting high‑risk families where children are subject to Child Protection or Child in Need Plans.
• Demonstrable outcomes of supporting adults and young people with a history of substance misuse.
• Qualification in substance misuse.
• Knowledge of local services and geography.
• Motivational interviewing techniques.
• Training in ITEP/BTEI or other structured psychosocial interventions.

Why Essex

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. With flexible working options, a focus on innovation and a commitment to transformational change, Essex is an ideal place for career development and community contribution.

Practical Considerations

The role requires mobility throughout the operational area; candidates must have a valid driving licence, access to a vehicle, or be able to meet the mobility requirements through other means. DBS checks may be required; if so, you will need to register with the DBS update service and maintain it annually.

How to Apply

For queries or further information, please contact jamielea.wallis@essex.gov.uk.