At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey and assist with practical needs.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading provider of mental health and recovery support services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with a supportive team and reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and build meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Open to students aged 18-25 and recent graduates; no prior experience required.
The predicted salary is between 26640 - 32560 £ per year.
Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We deliver high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.
We are looking to recruit students aged 18–25, as well as individuals who have recently graduated.
The role: As a Recovery Support Volunteer, you will provide frontline support to individuals throughout their recovery journey, assisting with assessments, treatment management and referrals. You will offer emotional and practical support, promote harm reduction and help clients engage with services, working collaboratively with the team to improve wellbeing and recovery outcomes.
Tasks may include:
- Provide support for clients throughout their recovery journey
- Provide support for clients with any unmet needs (health, housing benefits, criminal justice system)
- Assist with completing comprehensive and any other relevant paperwork
- Supporting the management of Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) involving controlled drugs, in line with relevant policies and procedures
- Supporting staff with admin responsibilities such as phoning GPs, making pre-assessment phone calls with clients, check ins between assessments and contacting disengaged clients.
- Conducting welfare and check in phone calls - reminding clients of appointments
- Potential to support staff with home visits
- Assist with completing assessments/take referrals
- Write up case notes, this may be on an electronic system (training provided)
- Potential to work up to co-working on a caseload
- Adhere to risk management, health and safety guidelines and any relevant policies relating to the role
- Discussing blood borne virus (BBV) testing with clients and harm reduction information
- Support staff with carrying out drug tests with clients
- Communicate effectively with the team, participate in debriefs, meetings and provide feedback as required
Volunteers will be provided with Naloxone and BBV training, enabling those who feel confident to offer further support, including assisting with BBV testing within the service. The team would appreciate a minimum one-day commitment per week on any weekday from 9:15am and 5:15pm. Volunteers can contribute up to 15 hours per week.
What We Offer: We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role-specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility: Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
How to apply: If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Closing date: 2026-08-30
Recovery Support Volunteer in Bradford employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to impactful change, we offer a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and various well-being initiatives, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about guiding individuals towards recovery. Join us in a role where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Support Volunteer in Bradford
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Waythrough.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Waythrough. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Support Volunteer in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Waythrough understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Waythrough how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Waythrough serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Waythrough.
