At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol issues within the criminal justice system.
- Company: Join a leading charity with over 50 years of experience in drug and alcohol treatment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help them on their journey to recovery.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; no prior experience required, just a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership are looking to recruit a passionate and enthusiastic individual to be our new drug and alcohol worker in Chesterfield. This role will be working with people involved in the criminal justice system, who may be leaving prison or are already living in the local community. There will be drug and alcohol and criminal justice training provided; it’s not essential to already have experience of this. We’re looking for transferrable skills and someone who is keen to learn and excited about this field of work and helping people that have been/are involved with criminality.
In this role you will be trained to co-ordinate care and deliver 1:1 and group sessions focused on psychosocial and harm reduction interventions to people who use our service. This cohort may be subject to licence conditions, Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) and Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) court orders, and may be involved with the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) team, Courts, Liaison and Diversion, Prison healthcare, Probation services. The focus is helping engage people to address their drug/alcohol use and reduce criminality, improving their health outcomes and quality of life.
This role involves managing a small caseload where you will provide a high intensity and frequency of support to people living in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire community. There is also an opportunity to apply for prison vetting; once cleared you can conduct some prison in-reach with people who will shortly be leaving prison to return to their local community in Derbyshire. We conduct prison in-reach primarily in HMP Foston Hall, HMP Nottingham and HMP Ranby, and in-reach will involve assessing the treatment needs of people leaving prison and supporting them by involving other services as you plan comprehensive community-based care. You will liaise closely and regularly with other relevant professionals and involve specialist local services within your role.
This role will be based in our Chesterfield office and Chesterfield Probation Office, working 37.5 hours per week; Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, on a permanent contract. Due to the outreach and responsive nature of this role, applicants must have a driving licence and access to their own vehicle for work and travel expenses for outreach are reimbursed. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate a clear passion for working with people using drugs and/or alcohol that are also involved in the criminal justice system. Applicants will have an innovative, motivating and proactive approach to their work.
- Starting salary of £26,298 with opportunity to access potential yearly salary increments subject to appraisal, meaning potential salary increase up to £28,000 per annum (pro rata)
- 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days) (pro rata)
- Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance
- Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities
- Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system
- Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme including telephone and online access
- As we work in partnership with the Healthcare Foundation Trust in Derbyshire, staff have access to NHS-related training and are eligible to apply for Blue Light discounts.
- A rewarding role with the opportunity to help us support people on their journey to recovery and change their lives for the better.
- We’ll ensure you get all the training and support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team.
Phoenix Futures Group is a charity with over 50 years’ experience and a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment. Our values are what define us and ensure we work to the highest standards. We work with local authorities, other charities and service providers across the country to deliver innovative programmes and projects that change lives for the better, setting people on the path to health and emotional wellbeing. We provide a diverse range of services; our expertise in psychosocial treatment and support is the common thread that runs through everything we do. People need psychological interventions, social support, meaningful use of time, sense of purpose and a place of safety to sustain their recovery. At our core, we support people, families and communities to recover from drug and alcohol dependency. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity.
If you’re seeking your next challenge as a Criminal Justice Drug and Alcohol Practitioner, please get in touch or apply today.
For more information about the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership service, visit: www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk
If you have drug/alcohol lived experience and would like to gain some skills qualifications and experience in the field of drug and alcohol work before applying for a job with Phoenix Futures, please email us at dhcft.derbyshirelivedexperiencecareerpathway@nhs.net so we can talk to you about our new lived experience substance use career pathway in Derbyshire and how it could help you. Please do not use this email address for applying for jobs with Phoenix Futures - applications can only be made via www.phoenix-futures.org.uk
Criminal Justice Drug and Alcohol Practitioner employer: PhoenixFutures
Phoenix Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Chesterfield for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals affected by drug and alcohol dependency. With comprehensive training, continuous career development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, staff can thrive while contributing to meaningful change in the community. The organisation values inclusivity and provides access to NHS-related training and benefits, ensuring that employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Drug and Alcohol Practitioner
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at PhoenixFutures.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from PhoenixFutures!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like PhoenixFutures, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at PhoenixFutures or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Drug and Alcohol Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to PhoenixFutures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to PhoenixFutures! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PhoenixFutures
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
