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- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery from substance misuse within criminal justice settings.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Via, focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, health initiatives, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while promoting recovery and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse and criminal justice is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 24500 £ per year.
Location: Chester
Salary: £26,940.00 to £30,762.00 - Dependent on experience
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Job Summary:
The role requires experience of working within substance misuse and criminal justice knowledge or a related Health and Social Care setting, as well as experience of delivering structured treatment groups. You must be committed, resourceful, and highly motivated to engage people within treatment services and promote recovery through your daily practice.
You will be co-located within Chester probation offices and our Chester Hub as part of Dependency and Recovery to improve continuity of care upon release from prison to achieve the recovery journey goals of those who use our services, via 1:1s and structured group work, and case manage clients on probation alongside the Probation Practitioners.
Your duties will include:
- Assessing needs, delivering effective interventions, completing detailed reports, and working closely with our criminal justice partner agencies, clinical team, and other partner agencies.
- Conducting assessments for clients, including Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) and Drugs Rehabilitation Requirements (DRR) assessments.
- Managing a caseload and coordinating and delivering assessments and evidence-based interventions (brief and structured), recovery planning, and aftercare planning.
- Delivering harm reduction advice, psychosocial interventions, needle & syringe exchanges, blood-borne virus testing and interventions, drug testing, and overdose prevention advice.
An empathetic and non-judgmental approach is imperative, as this role involves working with a wide range of challenging issues and behaviours. Good time management and team working skills are essential in this fast-paced service.
Based within Cheshire West & Chester integrated Drug and Alcohol Service, the Criminal Justice Outreach Practitioner role will support criminal justice service users within the area:
- Contact, assess, refer, and support drug and alcohol users in criminal justice settings (including Court, prisons, & probation offices), treatment agencies, and other appropriate settings.
To see the generous range of benefits we offer at Via, including 30 days annual leave for all new starters, our health and wellbeing initiatives, financial perks, and development opportunities – visit our Benefits Package.
Please do not reapply if you have previously applied within the last 12 months. For an informal chat about the role, or if you would like to visit the service, please contact Toni Bills-Ingram via Toni.Bills-ingram@viaorg.uk.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 15th February at midnight. Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 16th February 2026.
We only accept applications via http://www.viaorg.uk/work-at-via/career-paths/ using our application form; we do not accept CVs. For guidance on how to complete the application visit http://www.viaorg.uk/work-at-via/how-to-apply/.
Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may close adverts at any time if we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Via welcomes enquiries from everyone, and we value diversity in our workplace. Our commitment to promoting diversity and developing a workplace environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect is central to our recruitment process. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. We offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for our jobs; please confirm in the personal statement part of our application form that you are applying under this scheme.
Appointment to all our posts is subject to satisfactory completion of our safeguarding checks including DBS, and we follow safer recruiting principles. Please email people@viaorg.uk if you have any recruitment enquiries or if you require this documentation in an accessible format.
Criminal Justice and Outreach Practitioner - Dependency & Recovery in Chester employer: Viaorg
Contact Detail:
Viaorg Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice and Outreach Practitioner - Dependency & Recovery in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Via and their approach to criminal justice and recovery. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to substance misuse and criminal justice. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, especially your ability to engage with clients and deliver effective interventions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations. Highlight your empathetic approach and commitment to promoting recovery, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics or the support available for staff. This shows you're engaged and serious about the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice and Outreach Practitioner - Dependency & Recovery in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what the Criminal Justice and Outreach Practitioner role involves. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Personal and Authentic: When writing your personal statement, don’t just list your qualifications. Share your passion for helping others and your commitment to recovery. We want to see the real you, so let your personality shine through and explain why this role matters to you.
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure you apply through our website using the provided application form. We won’t accept CVs, so stick to the format we’ve asked for. This shows us that you can follow instructions and are serious about the opportunity!
Proofread Your Application: Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough read. Check for any typos or grammatical errors, as these can distract from your message. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is super important in this field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Viaorg
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of substance misuse and the criminal justice system. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals in recovery, as well as the interventions you might be delivering. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand it deeply.
✨Show Empathy
Since this role requires a non-judgmental approach, think about how you can demonstrate empathy during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with challenging behaviours or supported someone through their recovery journey. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Group Work
As you'll be delivering structured treatment groups, be prepared to talk about your experience in this area. Think of specific examples where you've led group sessions or facilitated discussions. Highlight your ability to manage diverse groups and create a supportive environment for all participants.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of interventions currently being used, or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is right for you.
