At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges with compassion and practical assistance.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help others achieve positive change.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with good communication skills; NVQ Level 2 or 3 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Buckinghamshire
Working Hours: 37 hours (full-time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £28,930
Make a Real Difference in Your Community
Help us create positive change, one person at a time. Are you approachable, compassionate and passionate about helping people make positive changes in their lives? Do you want to work for an organisation that supports people to overcome challenges and move towards a healthier, safer and more independent future?
At Waythrough, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to make positive changes and move towards a brighter future. We support people experiencing challenges relating to mental health, substance use, homelessness, housing and domestic abuse.
We are looking for three motivated and compassionate Support Workers (Community Connectors – Assessment and Engagement Team) to join our team. This is an opportunity to become part of a supportive and dedicated service, where your communication skills, understanding and person-centred approach will help people access the support they need to make positive changes and work towards recovery.
About the Role
Working as a Support Worker (Community Connector) within our Assessment and Engagement Team, you will play an important role in providing advice, support, advocacy and practical assistance to people experiencing challenges relating to alcohol and drug use. You will support individuals to develop and work towards their recovery plans, undertaking elements of assessment and case management as directed. You will work alongside people to understand their individual circumstances, identify their needs and help them access appropriate support and services.
The role requires an understanding of the functional model of substance use, the Recovery Agenda and the wider impact that alcohol and drug misuse can have on individuals, families and communities. You will be expected to work in a way that recognises and values diversity, promotes equality and inclusion, and places the individual at the centre of everything you do. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people's lives, helping them build confidence, access support and take positive steps towards recovery.
What You'll Do
- Providing advice and support: Offering practical advice, guidance, advocacy and ongoing support to individuals experiencing challenges relating to alcohol and drug use.
- Supporting recovery plans: Working alongside individuals to develop, implement and review recovery plans, encouraging positive change and supporting progress towards personal goals.
- Undertaking assessments: Supporting elements of assessment and case management as directed, helping to identify individual needs and appropriate support.
- Promoting recovery and engagement: Encouraging individuals to engage with services and take an active role in their recovery journey, using a person-centred and compassionate approach.
- Working collaboratively: Building positive relationships with colleagues, partner organisations and other professionals to ensure individuals can access appropriate and coordinated support.
- Maintaining accurate records: Completing client records, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring information is recorded accurately and in line with service requirements.
- Working safely and professionally: Following relevant policies and procedures, including safeguarding, child protection, protection of vulnerable adults, confidentiality and health and safety.
- Promoting equality and inclusion: Recognising and valuing diversity, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity, respect and understanding.
About You
We are looking for someone who is compassionate, flexible and committed to helping people make positive changes in their lives. Ideally, you will hold an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Social Care, or be willing to work towards achieving this qualification. You will have good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and meet data requirements. You will also be comfortable working within policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, confidentiality and health and safety. A flexible approach is important, alongside a genuine commitment to person-centred support and an understanding of the challenges associated with alcohol and drug misuse. Most importantly, you will be someone who can build positive relationships, recognise individual strengths and needs, and work in a way that values diversity and promotes recovery.
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.
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.
Closing Date: 2026-11-20
Support Worker in Street employer: Recovery Focus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community, offering Health and Wellbeing Nurses a chance to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to a vital cause. Located in Leeds, the role provides a unique opportunity to work across various sites, fostering collaboration and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Street
✨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 Recovery Focus.
✨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 Recovery Focus!
✨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 Recovery Focus, 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 Recovery Focus 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 Support Worker in Street
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 Recovery Focus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Recovery Focus! 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 Recovery Focus
✨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.
