At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals through 1:1 and group work in a recovery setting.
- Company: Join The Matthew Project, a charity dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning service with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of those recovering from addiction and mental health issues.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and ability to work flexibly in a team.
The predicted salary is between 25437 - 25437 £ per year.
Location: The Matthew Project - Norwich
Starting Salary: £25,437 per annum
Working Hours: 37 hours (worked over a seven-day week by rota)
Contract: Permanent
Would you like to join our professional, dedicated team of recovery support practitioners who are passionate about making a real difference to people's lives? The Matthew Project will support you in your continued development in this role. We have an exciting opportunity in our team of recovery support practitioners who are offering an award-winning service from our Next Steps Recovery Centre in Norwich, which operates seven days a week.
You will support people by delivering 1:1 and group work. We have an amazing supportive recovery community, and you will be involved in the recruitment and development of peer mentor roles that support this. You will work in partnership with the weekday and weekend staff and flexibly to provide cover during other hours when appropriate, including weekends on a rota basis.
The Matthew Project is a value driven charity working across Norfolk giving help and hope through programmes with adults, young people and communities affected by drugs and alcohol, and mental health issues. Our values and ethos originate from a Christian perspective, and we seek to employ people of all backgrounds who respect and align with those values, whether from a position of faith or not.
The role will require the completion of an enhanced DBS process before starting.
Closing Date for applications: Monday 3rd August 2026 at 12.00 pm (noon).
Interview Date: Monday 10th August 2026 at 70-80 Oak Street, Norwich, NR3 3AQ.
Organisation: The Matthew Project
Recovery Support Specialist — 1:1 & Group Work (Norwich) employer: The Matthew Project
The Matthew Project is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a charity dedicated to supporting individuals and communities affected by drugs and alcohol. Located in the vibrant city of Norwich, our award-winning Next Steps centre fosters a collaborative work culture where employees can thrive, develop their skills, and make a real difference in people's lives. With flexible working hours and a commitment to employee growth, we invite you to join our passionate team and be part of something truly rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Support Specialist — 1:1 & Group Work (Norwich)
✨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 Matthew Project.
✨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 Matthew Project!
✨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 Matthew Project, 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 Matthew Project 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 Recovery Support Specialist — 1:1 & Group Work (Norwich)
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 Matthew Project:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Matthew Project! 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 Matthew Project
✨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.
