At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery through various engaging activities and group sessions.
- Company: Join a valued team at Phoenix Futures, part of Derbyshire Recovery Partnership.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and skills while making a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful cause and help others on their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting those in addiction; no prior experience required.
About Phoenix Futures and Volunteering Opportunities
We are one of four providers within the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership alcohol and drug service, delivering psychosocial interventions that support behaviour change for people seeking to address their alcohol and/or drug use. We are looking to expand our well‑established volunteer team, whose contributions are highly valued and play an important role in complementing our service.
What Our Volunteers Do
Volunteer roles may include supporting Key Workers and Recovery Workers with one‑to‑one sessions, drug and alcohol testing, issuing Naloxone, needle exchange, and attending multidisciplinary meetings. Volunteers may also support or co‑facilitate a wide range of groups, including gender‑specific, therapeutic, rehab, aftercare, mindfulness, substance‑specific, peer support, and service‑user involvement sessions, meetings and activities. You may also help encourage people accessing our service to attend one‑to‑one sessions, groups and activities, highlighting the benefits of engagement and sustained participation. Some volunteers choose to focus on a specific role (such as the Recovery Through Nature project or Naloxone Ambassador work), while others prefer a mixed role across different areas of the service.
Who Can Apply
You can apply to volunteer with us whether or not you have lived experience of addiction – we welcome all applications. Applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be passionate about supporting people in addiction and recovery
- Be willing to complete training and develop new skills
We recommend a commitment of 4–20 hours per week to ensure appropriate training, support and meaningful opportunities. Volunteering takes place Monday to Friday, 9am‑5pm. If you have specific availability requirements, let us know and we will aim to accommodate these where possible.
Lived Experience Career Pathway
If you have lived experience and live in Derbyshire, you may also be offered the opportunity to join our Lived Experience Career Pathway. This includes access to one‑to‑one coaching, group support, peer networks, and a range of accredited courses and qualifications in alcohol and drug work.
Application Process
Volunteer applications are reviewed monthly by our Recovery Team Manager and Career Coordinator. All applicants will be contacted to offer an informal interview or discuss any potential barriers to volunteering. If you are offered a role, a DBS check and references are required before agreeing a start date. As we work with vulnerable adults, this applies to everyone recruited within our service.
Specific Volunteering Roles
- Naloxone Volunteer – training and issuing life‑saving Naloxone kits
- Recovery Connector Volunteer – supporting access to community‑based recovery activities, projects and fellowship meetings
- Recovery Through Nature Volunteer – engaging people in conservation and horticultural projects alongside our specialist lead
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment Volunteer – supporting people in treatment, which could include those involved in the criminal justice system
- Groupwork Volunteer – co‑facilitating a range of group sessions
- Detox and Rehab Volunteer – supporting people preparing for detox and/or rehabilitation alongside a specialist worker
How to Get Involved
To find out more, contact us at the email address below. If you're ready to get involved, please apply via our website.
Additional Information
For paid roles, visit: If you'd prefer an informal conversation before applying, please contact us using the email above. Please note this email address cannot be used for Phoenix Futures job applications.
Volunteer: Support Recovery & Community Groups employer: Job Search Place Limited
Phoenix Futures is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing addiction and recovery challenges. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, offering volunteers the chance to gain valuable skills through comprehensive training and diverse roles within the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership. With flexible volunteering hours and a strong emphasis on community engagement, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions are truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer: Support Recovery & Community Groups
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Phoenix Futures and their values. This will help you connect your passion for supporting people in recovery with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current volunteers or staff on social media. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think about how your experiences, whether personal or professional, can contribute to the role. Prepare examples that highlight your commitment to helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our volunteer team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer: Support Recovery & Community Groups
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting people in addiction and recovery shine through. We want to see why you care about this work and how you can make a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role you're interested in. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, whether it’s group facilitation or one-on-one support.
Be Honest About Your Availability:We appreciate transparency! If you have specific availability requirements, don’t hesitate to mention them in your application. We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to jump in? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Phoenix Futures and their mission. Understand the role of a volunteer in supporting recovery and community groups. This will help you articulate why you're passionate about the position and how you can contribute.
✨Show Your Passion
Be ready to share your motivation for wanting to support people in addiction and recovery. Whether you have lived experience or not, expressing genuine enthusiasm for helping others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Think about potential situations you might encounter as a volunteer, such as supporting someone in crisis or facilitating a group session. Prepare examples of how you would handle these scenarios, showcasing your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training process, the types of groups you might co-facilitate, or how volunteers are supported in their roles. This shows your interest and commitment to the position.
