Casual Recovery Worker

AQUARIUS ACTION PROJECTS; Penrith; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Life assurance (3× annual salary)

Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly

Birthday leave and buy up to 5 extra 休

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Waythrough is hiring a Casual Recovery Worker in Penrith to support individuals on their recovery journeys. The role emphasizes helping people develop daily living skills, maintaining tenancy, and engaging in community activities within a supportive team.

You’ll work within a diverse, compassionate environment that values lived experience, with required flexibility for weekends/evenings and a valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Some experience within mental health is preferred but not essential.
• Be flexible to work on a weekly rota, including weekends and evenings.
• Candidates with lived experience are welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals to create personalised recovery and independence plans.
• Assist with developing everyday living skills like budgeting, cooking, and home management.
• Encourage engagement in work, training, volunteering or leisure activities.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to empower decisions.
• Help with tenancy maintenance and access to community services.
• Collaborate with colleagues, families and professionals for best outcomes.

Skills

Teamwork

Independence

Empathy

Flexibility

Tools

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Casual Recovery Worker

Casual Recovery Worker

Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Working Hours: Casual Hours - Day shift 9am-5pm and back shift 2pm-10pm and potential of occasional night shift cover
Contract Type: Casual Contract
Salary: £13.45

Working Hours: Casual Hours - Day shift 9am-5pm and back shift 2pm-10pm and potential of occasional night shift cover

Contract Type: Casual Contract

Salary: £13.45

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.

What You’ll Do

As a Casual Recovery Worker, you’ll play a vital role in supporting individuals to take positive steps towards their recovery and independence. You’ll:

• Work alongside residents to create personalised support plans that reflect their goals, strengths and aspirations.
• Support people in developing everyday living skills, including budgeting, cooking, and managing their home.
• Encourage engagement in work, training, volunteering, or leisure activities that promote confidence and wellbeing.
• Offer emotional support and guidance, empowering people to make their own decisions and overcome challenges.
• Help individuals maintain their tenancies and access other community-based support services.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for those you support.

Each day brings new opportunities to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life — whether it’s helping them achieve a small milestone or celebrating a major breakthrough in their recovery journey.

You’ll thrive in a role where you can connect with people from all walks of life, adapt to changing needs, and stay calm under pressure.

You’ll also need to:

• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Ideally we are looking for applicants who have some experience within mental health however not essential
• Be flexible to work on a weekly rota, including weekends and evenings
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a car

Candidates with an understanding of mental health issues or lived experience are particularly welcome.

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 email our recruitment team: [e-mail]

2026-10-19