Trainee Recovery Worker in Southampton

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.

Based within the SSJ&I Alcohol and Drug Service in Southampton, you will be part of a team that offers a wide range of vital interventions, including one-to-ones, therapeutic group work, needle exchange, and prescribing interventions to people recovering from challenges with drugs and alcohol.

In this role, you will:

• Support Journeys: Work directly within the service to support a small, identified group of people throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
• Deliver Person-Centred Care: Use a person-centred approach to empower people who want to make changes to their lives, helping them access the interventions that matter most to them.
• Build Connections: Create strong relationships with key partner agencies and stakeholders to support robust joint working relationships and holistic client care.
• Expand Your Reach: As you develop your skills and confidence, you will increase your work outside of the main office, providing needs-led support in community settings and alongside partner agencies.

This role is a fantastic opportunity for growth and is ideal for:

• Emerging Professionals: Anyone looking to start a career within this service area who is excited to learn, develop, and pursue a long-term career in substance use support services.
• People with Lived Experience: People with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use, who can safely use their personal insights to inspire, empower, and support others.
• Flexible Team Members: Someone who can work within a flexible 37-hour working week, which will include evening and some weekend work.

To thrive in this role, you will need to bring or develop the following qualities:

• Core Attributes: You must be self-reflective, highly motivated, and excited to bring your own unique understanding and experience to the team.
• Engagement & Relationships: The ability to engage meaningfully and empathetically with service users, building strong, positive, and collaborative working relationships.
• Boundaries & Risk Management: The confidence to maintain clear, healthy professional boundaries and a solid understanding of the importance of safe risk management.
• Sector Knowledge (or a Passion to Learn): Some understanding—or a keenness to gain an understanding—of the impact of substance use, withdrawal, and the range of interventions and support available to help people improve their quality of life.

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: This will be a rolling open advert until all vacancies are appointed. Interview date: We will be reviewing applications as they are received and contacting shortlisted applicants to offer an interview date. Should you not hear from us within 14 days of submission, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.