At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey through assessments and tailored interventions.
- Company: Join a leading charity with over 40 years of experience in substance misuse support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, health schemes, and a strong pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team during an exciting growth phase.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 26682 - 32559 £ per year.
Make a real difference. Build a rewarding career. Transform lives.
The Alcohol & Drug Service (ADS) is a registered charity with over 40 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by problematic drug and alcohol use. Our mission is simple: to help people make positive, lasting changes and achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.
About Aspire
Aspire is a long-standing and successful partnership between ADS and Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH). Combining the clinical expertise of NHS services with the flexibility and innovation of the voluntary sector, Aspire has been delivering high-quality drug and alcohol services across local communities for more than 20 years.
As a forward-thinking and progressive partnership, we work closely with recovery communities to deliver responsive, person-centred services that achieve the best possible outcomes for those we support. This is an exciting time to join the sector, with significant investment creating new opportunities for professional development and career progression.
About the Role
We are looking for a qualified and registered Social Worker to join our OAT team. Whether you already have experience working with individuals affected by substance misuse or are keen to develop your skills in this rewarding field, we would love to hear from you.
The OAT team plays a vital role in supporting people at the start of their treatment journey by providing:
- Advice and brief interventions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Structured key working support
- Needle exchange services
- Guidance and pathways into treatment and recovery services
This is an opportunity to work as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, helping individuals take their first steps towards positive change. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week).
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £26,682 – £32,559 per annum, (depending on experience)
In addition, ADS offers an excellent benefits package, including:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days after 2 years and 34 days after 5 years’ service, plus public holidays
- Attractive pension scheme with a 6% employer contribution
- Health scheme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Social Work registration fees paid
- Tailored training and development opportunities through a personalised learning and development plan
- The opportunity to join an organisation during a period of exciting growth and innovation
Want to Find Out More?
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Claire Beevers or Stephen Mitchell on 03000 213900.
Interviews will be held in Doncaster on 10 July 2026.
Important Information
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK before commencing employment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
ADS is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable treatment for employees, applicants, and service users alike.
Working at ADS is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by substance misuse and the families who support them.
Open Access & Assessment Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Doncaster employer: The Alcohol and Drug Service
At the Alcohol & Drug Service (ADS), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals affected by substance misuse. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through tailored training and development opportunities, while our generous benefits package, including enhanced annual leave and a robust pension scheme, ensures that our employees feel valued and motivated. Join us in Doncaster and be part of a forward-thinking team that is committed to innovation and positive change in the community.
Contact Details:
The Alcohol and Drug Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Open Access & Assessment Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Doncaster
✨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 The Alcohol and Drug Service.
✨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 The Alcohol and Drug Service!
✨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 The Alcohol and Drug Service, 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 The Alcohol and Drug Service 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 Open Access & Assessment Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Doncaster
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 The Alcohol and Drug Service:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Alcohol and Drug Service! 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 The Alcohol and Drug Service
✨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.
