At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in harm reduction and deliver engaging, youth-led sessions.
- Company: Join Murray's Initiative, a charity making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on vulnerable young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth and community work; passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 22932 - 23551 £ per year.
Based within Murray’s Initiative’s Head Office in North Claremont Street with travel throughout Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire for service delivery.
Murray’s Initiative is an independent Scottish charity that works to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm at both individual and community levels. Established in 1965, Murray’s Initiative adopts a long-term, trauma-informed and asset-based approach to changing the culture around substance use. Its services are built on a person-centred, harm-reduction model, supporting people whether their goal is to reduce consumption or achieve abstinence.
The Group Worker will support our peer-led Harm Reduction Service (U-Turn) benefiting young people 11 – 25 years old to design and deliver youth-led inputs on issue-based topics, with a focus to incorporate harm reduction approaches and address stigma/language around substance use. The Group Worker will have responsibility for developing our weekly groups for our Peer Educators to take part in training around areas such as leadership, team building, issue-based topics and wellbeing. These groups will provide a safe, trauma-informed space where individuals will be able to feel confident to develop coping skills and resilience.
The Peer Educators will be supported to deliver peer-led inputs to other Young People on issued-based topics, with a focus to incorporate a harm reduction approach as well as a separate element of addressing stigma/language around drug and alcohol use.
The Group Worker will report to the Service Manager – Education & Development. This post requires a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership - successful applicants will be required to join the PVG Scheme.
Key Responsibilities of the Group Worker:
- Organise sessions which includes leadership, team building, drugs & alcohol awareness, peer education and social activities.
- Contact Peer Educators to invite them to group sessions and keeping informed of arrangements.
- Be friendly, compassionate and naturally able to build relationships with individuals both in person and virtually.
- Support Peer Educators in their pathway into opportunities through tailored plans, structured encouragement and offering practical support.
- Assist the project in implementing harm reduction approaches in line with the U-Turn Peer Education Worker and Service Manager - Education & Development.
- Provide quality support services to participants through effective planning, monitoring, evaluation and review of their requirements in partnership with them.
- Complete paperwork and promptly update the database on all interactions with participants as well as recording outcomes and progressions.
- Meet contractual compliance.
- Adhere to the implementation of risk management procedures (including child and adult safeguarding protocols) taking personal responsibility for keeping up to date on the requirements of these procedures.
- Undertake any other duties as required by the Service Manager – Education & Development.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Clean current UK Driving License and access to own car desirable.
- A qualification in Youth Work, Working with Communities or equivalent is preferable.
- Proven experience of working with young people and in mentoring, developing and supporting young people ages 12-25 years.
- Proven experience in working in a community setting and delivering harm reduction in different settings as well as inter-agency and partnership working.
- Experience of using digital technology effectively essential with knowledge of I.T/ Computer Skills and Microsoft Office.
- Experience of supporting Peer Educators, education, training and delivering presentations and health promotion or community development work all preferable.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with young people.
- Planning and co-ordination skills.
- Team working and networking skills.
- Resilience in reacting to and resolving challenges.
- Ability to produce and deliver health and wellbeing topics desirable.
- Commitment to working in line with Murray’s Initiatives values of collaboration, respect and empathy.
Why Join Us?
- Your work will contribute to make a real difference to people’s lives.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Very generous annual leave entitlement: full time employees start with an annual leave entitlement of 37 days (inclusive of 12 bank holidays) which increases with length of service.
- Duvet days where employees may take time off at short notice.
- Death in service policy.
- Cycle to work scheme where employees can save money on a new bike and spread the cost.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued.
The following is the timescale for the process:
- Closing date for applications: Friday 16th January 2026 5pm
- Shortlisting: Tuesday 20th January 2026
- Date of interviews: Thursday 29th January 2026
- Start date: ASAP
Murray’s Initiative is an Equal Opportunities Organisation. We are committed to treating all workers and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital / civil partnership status, age, race, disability or gender identity and expression or any other personal characteristic.
Group Worker in Glasgow employer: Murray's Initiative
Murray's Initiative is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly through its innovative harm reduction services for young people. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the organisation offers flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for continuous professional development in a supportive and inclusive environment. Working from the vibrant North Claremont Street office, employees can expect to be part of a compassionate team that values collaboration and personal growth while contributing to positive change in Glasgow and surrounding areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Worker in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field, attend local events, and engage with professionals on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Murray’s Initiative and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting vulnerable young people. Be ready to share examples of your past work that demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your passion for youth work and harm reduction, as well as your ability to connect with young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the Group Worker position.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Worker in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Group Worker role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Murray's Initiative!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people and supporting harm reduction shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray's Initiative
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Murray’s Initiative. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially related to working with young people or implementing harm reduction strategies. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in mentoring, support, and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Group Worker, strong communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you build relationships with young people and peers. Use clear, concise language during the interview and be prepared to demonstrate your interpersonal skills through examples.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of training provided, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you’re engaged and thinking about how you can contribute.
