At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in reducing harm from substance use and improving wellbeing.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help young people thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and knowledge of harm reduction approaches preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 34240 £ per year.
Location: Plummer Court, Newcastle, NE1 6UR
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
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.
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate and motivated Young Persons Outreach Harm Reduction Worker to join the Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR) team. In this rewarding role, you will work directly with children, young people and young adults, supporting them to reduce the harms associated with substance use and improve their overall wellbeing. The role includes extensive outreach and community-based work, engaging young people in a variety of settings including schools, community venues, family homes and partner agencies.
You will manage a caseload of young people, providing tailored support, recovery planning and harm reduction interventions while working collaboratively with families, carers and multi-agency professionals. You will support individuals throughout their recovery journey – from initial engagement and assessment through to structured interventions and ongoing recovery support.
Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR) is an all-age community drug and alcohol service supporting local people, families and communities across Newcastle. NTaR is a collaborative partnership delivered by CNTW NHS Foundation Trust alongside Waythrough and Changing Lives.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivering outreach and community-based support to children, young people and young adults across Newcastle
- Managing a caseload and delivering person-centred recovery and harm reduction interventions
- Completing assessments, support plans, risk assessments and safeguarding plans
- Delivering evidence-based interventions in line with NICE guidelines and best practice
- Supporting young people to access treatment, education, training, employment and community resources
- Building positive working relationships with families, carers and partner agencies
- Delivering both one-to-one and group interventions to support recovery and resilience
- Working collaboratively with professionals including schools, CAMHS, youth offending services, safeguarding teams and community organisations
- Supporting vulnerable young people, including those at risk of exploitation, offending or social exclusion
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to a positive, recovery-focused service environment
What We’re Looking For
To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:
- Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals within health, social care, youth work or substance misuse services
- Knowledge of substance misuse, harm reduction and recovery-focused approaches
- Understanding of interventions including Brief Interventions, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychosocial Interventions (PSIs), CBT and ITEP
- Experience carrying out assessments, recovery planning and risk management
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage young people in community settings
- Experience delivering one-to-one and group-based interventions
- Knowledge of safeguarding, hidden harm and adverse childhood experiences
- A compassionate, non-judgemental and person-centred approach
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children, young people and families. You’ll join a supportive and values-driven team committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based support that helps young people build safer, healthier and more positive futures.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3 annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
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 contact our recruitment team.
Young Persons Outreach Harm Reduction Worker employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Newcastle. With a supportive and values-driven work culture, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity. Join us to be part of a passionate team that empowers individuals to lead healthier, more independent lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young Persons Outreach Harm Reduction Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience in outreach and harm reduction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Young Persons Outreach Harm Reduction Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your experiences align with our mission at Waythrough.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Young Persons Outreach Harm Reduction Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for in the job description.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about helping young people. Share any personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of substance misuse and harm reduction strategies. Familiarise yourself with interventions like Motivational Interviewing and Psychosocial Interventions, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about making a difference.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about helping young people, so let your passion shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in the position.
✨Engage with Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with young people. Think about past experiences where you've successfully engaged with challenging individuals and be ready to share those examples.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and the types of challenges you might face in the role. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team's success.
