At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges with mental health and substance misuse to promote recovery.
- Company: Join Waythrough, one of England's largest mental health and social support charities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent, plus experience supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 26912 - 32892 £ per year.
Location: 5-6 Burleigh Court, Barnsley, S70 1XY
Working Hours: 37 hours per week 9am-5pm with late night Thursday 11am-7pm – on rota basis
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the role
We’re looking for a compassionate and proactive HOPE (Health, Outreach, Prevention and Engagement) Worker to join our team. In this role, you’ll support individuals affected by substance misuse by providing immediate, practical help and encouraging long-term recovery. You’ll work closely with service users, professionals, and the wider community to reduce harm, prevent relapse, and help people build healthier, more stable lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload, completing assessments, risk assessments, and support plans
- Deliver brief and extended interventions to motivate change
- Support walk-in assessments, referrals, and triage activity
- Work alongside Recovery Co-ordinators to support structured recovery pathways
- Deliver targeted outreach, in-reach, and cross-reach activities
- Engage service users and encourage participation in recovery plans
- Work with families, carers, and partner agencies where appropriate
- Provide advice on safer drug use, safer sex, and blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
- Support needle exchange services (fixed site and community-based)
- Contribute to health campaigns and prevention initiatives
- Work with individuals using alcohol, opiates, and non-opiate substances (including IPED, NPS, and OTC drugs)
- Support access to services that improve recovery outcomes and social stability
- Work with pharmacies and communities to expand naloxone distribution
- Support and develop community needle exchange services
- Provide training on harm reduction and safe storage
- Work with partner agencies to support individuals with complex needs (e.g. homelessness, mental health, offending)
- Manage a small caseload requiring intensive, multi-agency support
About you
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals (e.g. substance misuse, mental health, or social care)
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Desirable
- Experience in outreach or community-based roles
- Knowledge of harm reduction and recovery approaches
- Driving licence and access to a vehicle
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-09-15
Hope Recovery Navigator in Barnsley employer: Recovery Focus
Recovery Focus is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With a supportive work culture, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, pension contributions, and access to a 24/7 online GP, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of families in Enfield. The company also fosters professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development in the health and social care sector.
