Community Substance Misuse Specialist
Via About the role
At Via, our mission is to provide the best health and wellbeing support to as many people as possible, helping them to change their lives for the better. Last year, we supported over 11,000 people across the UK affected by alcohol and drug use. Everything we do is driven by our values: Care. Care for people is at the heart of everything we do. Be human. We are accessible, genuine and humble. Always learning. Do the right thing. We’re open, honest and inclusive. We get things done.
We want to recruit the very best talent. We believe in nurturing a positive workplace culture where our colleagues feel valued, recognised, empowered, and supported.
Employment can be a powerful part of someone’s recovery journey. As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll be a key part of that transformation—helping people rediscover purpose, confidence, and independence through work. Every day is different, but your impact will be consistent. You’ll:
- Provide one-to-one, tailored employment support to people in recovery.
- Work closely with clinical teams, support workers, and community partners to ensure a joined-up approach.
- Build relationships with local employers to create inclusive job opportunities.
You don’t need to be an expert in recovery, we’ll provide full training. What matters most is that you:
- Are compassionate, proactive, and a great communicator.
- Believe in people’s potential to grow and succeed with paid work.
- Want to make a real difference in your community.
We’re proud to deliver IPS (Individual Placement and Support) a proven, evidence-based model that helps people with mental health and/or substance use challenges achieve their employment goals. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our clients have said: “I had been drifting and my confidence had sunk… IPS helped change my life.” “I got the help I was looking for… I found work after 17 years of being unemployed.”
You will work across Islington borough. All reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. There will be a hybrid approach to working.
Deadline: 16/07/2026 at midnight.
Salary: £32,612.00 - £37,002.00 per annum, including London Weighting where applicable.
Vacancy type: Permanent.
Working hours: 37.5
Our IPS Team Leader is happy to talk through this role, what a typical day might look like, development opportunities, and Via’s national network. You can reach Cleo Brown at [contact information]. To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
Your tasks
Support individuals in recovery by providing tailored employment guidance and building employer relationships.
Your profile
Compassionate, proactive communicators who believe in the potential of others are encouraged to apply.
What's also included
Competitive salary, hybrid working, travel expense reimbursement, and comprehensive training provided.
Tech stack & ways of working
Community Substance Misuse Specialist employer: Via
Join a dynamic and ambitious team in Glasgow, where your leadership will directly shape the future of a fast-growing business in the sports and hospitality sector. With a strong focus on employee development, you'll enjoy a vibrant work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, alongside a competitive salary and an impressive benefits package including uncapped commission and opportunities for progression. This is more than just a management role; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in your community while helping others rediscover their purpose and confidence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Via.
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 Via!
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 Via, 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 Via or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Via
Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Via! 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 Via
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.
