Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people on their recovery journey through tailored interventions.
- Company: Join The Children’s Society, a leading charity supporting young people for over 140 years.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, childcare vouchers, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth and strong teamwork abilities required.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 35100 £ per year.
Substance Misuse Practitioner MATERNITY COVER x2 (West and North Essex Areas)
Fixed Term contract from 1st March 2026 to 31st January 2027
35 hours per week
£29,855 per annum
Essex – You would be based in either Harlow or Colchester and expected to travel within that quadrant.
The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We run local services that support young people when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We’re there for young people, every step of the way.
This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for young people who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services within the Essex area.
We wish to recruit 2 Substance Misuse Practitioners to join the established All Age Recovery Co-ordination Service (AARCS), which we deliver in partnership with Open Road, supporting young people, adults and families affected by substance misuse.
Responsibilities- You will undertake individual assessments and risk assessment with young people up to the age of 25, developing a person-centred care plan specific to that young person and their needs and supporting them through their recovery journey with the service. This will be delivered through a range of tailored interventions, in both a one to one and/or targeted group work capacity.
- You will have substantial experience in working with vulnerable young people either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
- You will have experience of carrying out individual and group work interventions with young people & adults.
- You will have experience in using Microsoft Office Applications and other relevant data systems.
- You can demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
As well as a strong commitment to your development, we offer a generous holiday entitlement, a contributory stakeholder pension, childcare vouchers and flexible working.
The Children’s Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make young people’s lives happier and safer.
The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.
Candidates applying for work in our Children and Young People Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history" form, which will be emailed to shortlisted candidates prior to interview.
The closing date for applications is Monday 16th February 2026. Interviews will be face to face and held on Tuesday 24th February 2026 in our Chelmsford Office.
EYPDAS Maternity Cover x2 (6003) in Colchester employer: The Children's Society
Contact Detail:
The Children's Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EYPDAS Maternity Cover x2 (6003) in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 researching the organisation and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially when it comes to supporting vulnerable young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences with young people and how you've made a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to support young people.
We think you need these skills to ace EYPDAS Maternity Cover x2 (6003) in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Substance Misuse Practitioner role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable young people and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience in individual and group work interventions. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in similar settings. This will help us see your potential impact at The Children’s Society.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Children's Society
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Substance Misuse Practitioner and the specific needs of young people. Familiarise yourself with The Children’s Society's mission and values, as well as the All Age Recovery Co-ordination Service (AARCS). This will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with vulnerable young people. Think of specific examples where you've successfully carried out individual assessments or group interventions. Highlight how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle challenging situations. Prepare some scenarios from your past experiences where you had to think on your feet or adapt your approach to meet a young person's needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of interventions used, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
