At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey and promote positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and empower others to live independently.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; experience in mental health or related fields is a plus.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24243 - 28930 £ per year.
Location: Gillingham
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Salary: £24,243 - £28,930
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives? Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day. We support over 125,000 people each year through our 200 services, empowering individuals to overcome challenges around mental health, housing, and substance use.
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team in North Dorset as a Support Worker. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by supporting them on their journey towards recovery and improved well-being. As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in guiding individuals through recovery by providing tailored, person-centred support and coordinating services that promote positive outcomes. You will work closely with individuals, colleagues, and partner organisations to help reduce substance-related harm and support long-term, self-sustained recovery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing a caseload, including devising, implementing, and reviewing ongoing recovery and treatment plans
- Supporting individuals from initial engagement through structured treatment to sustained recovery
- Reducing substance-related harm to individuals and the wider community
- Working collaboratively with key partners and internal colleagues to achieve the best possible health and well-being outcomes
About You
We welcome applicants from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds. Whether you have direct experience or transferable skills, your passion for supporting others is what matters most. We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following:
- Experience in substance misuse services
- A background in mental health support
- Experience within the criminal justice sector
- A relevant academic qualification (e.g. Criminology, Psychology, Law, Sociology)
- A strong portfolio of volunteering in a similar role
Experience in case management and the ability to manage expectations within an emotionally demanding role are highly valued, as they support our commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality care.
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.
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 portals
- £500 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.
Closing Date: 2026-02-10
Support Worker (Dorset) in Gillingham employer: Recovery Focus
Contact Detail:
Recovery Focus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Dorset) in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. 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 practising common questions and scenarios related to support work. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and show off your passion for helping others.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you find a role that excites you, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences during interviews. Show how your background aligns with the values of Waythrough and the impact you want to make.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Waythrough.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Dorset) in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives, so share your motivations and experiences that fuel this drive.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the Support Worker role. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported individuals in the past, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively – we want to understand your journey without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Waythrough's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their services and the specific challenges faced by individuals in recovery. This will help you demonstrate your passion for supporting others and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Share Your Experiences
Think about your past experiences, whether in volunteering or previous jobs, that relate to the role of a Support Worker. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped others, managed difficult situations, or worked collaboratively with teams. This will highlight your suitability for the emotionally demanding aspects of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the support systems in place for staff, how they measure success in recovery, or what a typical day looks like for a Support Worker. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Support Worker, empathy is key. During the interview, convey your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health and substance misuse issues. Share your thoughts on how you would approach building trust and rapport with clients, as this will demonstrate your commitment to person-centred support.