At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery from substance misuse and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity with over 50 years of impactful service.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and health support services.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse support and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 19827 - 19827 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.
The Society wishes to recruit a Senior Recovery Housing Support Worker to join the team in delivering supported housing within the Integrated Substance Misuse Recovery Services in Portsmouth. Based across various hostels in Portsmouth, you will work in a person-centred and trauma-informed approach to support individuals who want to make changes to their lives by supporting them to access interventions that are important to them.
We are looking for someone who brings their authentic self to work and possesses the skills, experience, and understanding required to work with adults experiencing alcohol and substance misuse issues. You will have experience working with this client group, understand the impact of substance misuse on individuals and the wider community, and be capable of managing a client caseload safely and effectively.
Essential Skills and Qualities
- Responsible for the effective daily operation of the services managed, the direct supervision of staff, and delegating work appropriately
- Ability to build good working relationships with stakeholders and funders, consulting effectively and attending all meetings as required
- Capability to develop and oversee the implementation of the trauma-informed recovery model and good practice across the service
- Ability to lead and motivate the staff team to ensure a consistently high standard of service delivery and continuous improvement
- Self-reflective, motivated, and able to work independently (including lone working) as well as part of a team
- Innovative and able to engage meaningfully with service users
- Strong ability to assess people’s needs and risks alongside good risk management skills
- Accurate record-keeping and reflective thinking skills
- Knowledge of the needs of vulnerable people with histories of homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency, and mental health needs
- Ability to respond to crisis management, keep the client at the centre of the work, and make full use of local resources and services
We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:
- A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
- Flexible working options
- Buying additional annual leave
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Company cycle to work scheme
- Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
- Electric Car Scheme
- Blue Light Card
SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union.
Application closing date: 9am on Wednesday 26th August 2026. Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier. Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Senior Recovery Support Worker in Portsmouth employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
South West Community Chaplaincy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. As a Housekeeping Assistant at Galanos House, you will enjoy flexible hours, generous holiday allowances, and a fulfilling role that directly contributes to the quality of life for residents in Southam, Warwickshire.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Recovery Support Worker in Portsmouth
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy!
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy, 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 South West Community Chaplaincy 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 Senior Recovery Support Worker in Portsmouth
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 South West Community Chaplaincy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South West Community Chaplaincy! 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 South West Community Chaplaincy
✨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.
