Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with substance misuse through tailored interventions and care plans.
- Company: The Children's Society, dedicated to helping young people for over 140 years.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, pension scheme, childcare vouchers, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience working with vulnerable young people and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 29855 - 29855 ÂŁ per year.
Substance Misuse Practitioner MATERNITY COVER (North Essex)
Fixed Term contract from 1st March 2026 to 31st January 2027
35 hours per week
ÂŁ29,855 per annum
Essex - You would be based in 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.
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 Tuesday 19th May 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications. Interviews will be held in person at our Chelmsford Office - 114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6LF.
EYPDAS Maternity Cover 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
✨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 of supporting vulnerable young people. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences with vulnerable 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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace EYPDAS Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with vulnerable young people. Use specific examples that relate to the role of a Substance Misuse Practitioner, showing how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with individual and group work interventions. We want to see how you’ve used your skills in real-life situations, so be as detailed as possible!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for helping young people shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
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 job requirements, especially your ability to develop person-centred care plans.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to substance misuse and recovery support. This will show your critical thinking and readiness to handle real-life challenges in the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of interventions used, or how success is measured in the role. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.