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- Tasks: Support families affected by substance use, helping them create positive change.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to safeguarding children and supporting families.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Office-based role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative service that empowers families and promotes child safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance use services and a passion for helping families in need.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Substance Use Worker to join our Family Safeguarding Adult Team, working directly with parents and carers whose substance or alcohol use may be affecting their children's safety and wellbeing. This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an innovative, multidisciplinary service helping families make sustainable change and supporting children to remain safely at home wherever possible.
About the Role
The role will be co-located within Family Help and Building Your Futures teams, working alongside Children’s Social Workers, Mental Health Workers, Domestic Abuse Specialists and other professionals as part of Portsmouth’s Family Safeguarding model.
Responsibilities
- Deliver specialist substance and alcohol use assessments and interventions for parents and carers.
- Support behaviour change using restorative, strengths‑based approaches and Motivational Interviewing.
- Contribute to multi‑agency plans aimed at improving parenting capacity and safeguarding children.
- Work with families in crisis and contribute to risk management and safety planning.
- Provide specialist advice, consultation and training to colleagues and partner agencies.
- Maintain high‑quality records and contribute to reviews, conferences and court reports when required.
The Ideal Candidate
- Has relevant qualifications and/or significant experience in substance and alcohol use services.
- Has a strong understanding of adult and children’s safeguarding.
- Is trauma‑informed, inclusive and confident working with families from diverse backgrounds.
- Can build effective, empowering relationships with parents and carers.
- Is confident working both autonomously and as part of a busy, multi‑professional team.
- Has knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Restorative Practice (or willingness to develop).
Working Arrangements
This role is office‑based; hybrid working is not available.
Equal Opportunities and Legal Requirements
We are a disability‑confident employer and hold a gold standard for the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment, and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
Locations
Family Safeguarding Substance Use Worker in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Safeguarding Substance Use Worker in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of substance use and safeguarding. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar roles. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with Motivational Interviewing and Restorative Practice. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in families' lives – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Family Safeguarding model. Understand how it works and think about how your background fits into their multidisciplinary approach. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Safeguarding Substance Use Worker in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in substance use services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Showcase Your Compassion: This role is all about supporting families, so let your empathy shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've built relationships with parents and carers in the past, as this will resonate with us.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be working alongside various professionals, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Mention any experiences where you’ve successfully worked in a multi-disciplinary team to achieve positive outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with our Family Safeguarding Adult Team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of substance use services and safeguarding practices. Familiarise yourself with the Family Safeguarding model and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about supporting families in crisis, so be prepared to share examples of how you've built empowering relationships with parents and carers in the past. Highlight your trauma-informed approach and how it has positively impacted your work.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working alongside various professionals, it's crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you've contributed to multi-agency plans or worked within a multidisciplinary team to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making in high-pressure situations. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed risk and safety planning, and be ready to discuss your thought process.