At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey from substance misuse with compassion and tailored care.
- Company: Join Via, a leading organisation dedicated to health and wellbeing support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and the chance to work with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of substance misuse and a commitment to complete peer mentoring qualification.
Location: Chester & Ellesmere Port
Salary: £26,228 per annum, pro-rata to the hours agreed upon
Vacancy Type: Permanent/Part Time
Working Hours: Up to 24 hours (to be agreed with successful candidate)
Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Who we are: 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.
What we’re looking for: This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced and growing organisation. We’re looking for Trainee Recovery Practitioner for Cheshire West & Chester (Base Ellesmere Port). You’ll enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, making a difference to their lives – supporting a variety of individual needs around substance misuse. No two days are the same and we treat every person who comes into our service as an individual, so being flexible, curious and a good listener are key. You will have a lived experience of substance misuse and possess OCNLR Level 2 Award in Peer Mentoring or equivalent, or the ability and commitment to complete this within 1 year of employment. We’re looking for individuals with compassion, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
The role: How to support the recovery team in engaging people who have substance misuse problems, providing them with advice, support and recovery focused interventions to support their recovery and health care needs. To manage a low-level protected caseload of people through their recovery journey. To carry out triage and comprehensive substance misuse assessments, risk assessments and develop person centred recovery-based care plans. To actively promote and undertake a range of screening and harm reduction interventions including alcohol screening, BBV awareness and dry blood spot testing, offering harm reduction advice and engaging service users through the needle syringe programme. Identify risks and take appropriate action in accordance with local, national and organisational Safeguarding policies. To support people affected by drug and alcohol use to achieve and sustain their recovery, optimising health, and well-being. Being flexible in the hours worked will be expected of the post holder including late evenings.
If you’re someone who is a good listener, stays curious, and wants to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Deadline: 7th October 2026
Salary: £26,228 per annum, pro-rata to the hours agreed upon
Vacancy type: Permanent
Working hours: 24hrs
Our Team Manager Amanda.Casey@viaorg.uk or Senior Practitioner Alice.Wainnwright@viaorg.uk is happy to talk through the role, what a typical day might look like, development opportunities.
Trainee Recovery Practitioner in Ellesmere Port employer: Wdp
At Via, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Our Northwich location provides a unique opportunity to engage with the community while delivering compassionate care as a Clinical Lead. We are committed to your development, providing ongoing training and mentorship to ensure you thrive in your role and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Recovery Practitioner in Ellesmere Port
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Wdp, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like Trainee Recovery Practitioner with Wdp!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Wdp and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Wdp:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Wdp unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wdp
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Wdp, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Wdp.
