Community development and recovery worker

Changing Lives; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A national charity is seeking a Community and Recovery Development Worker in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role involves delivering therapeutic group work and one-to-one sessions, aiding individuals facing challenges in their recovery journey. Candidates should possess an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, with proven experience in the substance misuse field. Strong motivational skills and a commitment to equality are essential. Join a diverse team dedicated to making positive changes in lives across the community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with individuals affected by drug and alcohol issues, preferably in group and one-to-one settings.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate structured therapeutic groups and educational packages related to alcohol and substance misuse.
• Provide personalized support using evidence-based techniques like Motivational Interviewing.
• Engage with external agencies to build local support networks.
• Ensure the safety of service users by effectively assessing and managing risks.

Skills

Strong motivational skills

Ability to maintain professional boundaries

Commitment to equality and diversity

Education

NVQ Level 3 or a relevant professional qualification

Job description

Our dedicated treatment and recovery services offer tailored support to help people challenge dependency. We understand that recovery from dependency is a personal process, and we know that it is possible with the support.

At Changing Lives, we recognise that substance dependency is often something that emerges linked to life experiences and we are here to help people explore, make meaning and decide what changes they would like to make moving forward.

We work with people at every stage of their recovery journey. We offer an effective therapeutic support for people, and on-going support as life progresses. We also support people to connect within their communities and to other services that can help with other issues arising, including employment, housing, family relationships, mental health and more.

About the Job

Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR) is looking for a dedicated Community and Recovery Development Worker to join our team in Newcastle Upon Tyne. In this role, you will be a key part of an integrated partnership between Changing Lives, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), and Waythrough.

Your primary focus will be delivering therapeutic group work and one-to-one sessions to support individuals facing challenging circumstances as they make positive, lasting changes in their lives. You will work within the community to build recovery assets, helping to make recovery a visible reality across Newcastle.

Key Responsibilities

• Therapeutic Support: Facilitate structured therapeutic groups and educational packages related to alcohol and substance misuse.
• One-to-One Intervention: Provide personalized support using evidence-based techniques like Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
• Collaborative Care: Work alongside Recovery Co-ordinators and clinical staff to develop, monitor, and review care plans.
• Community Asset Building: Engage with external agencies and community organizations to build local support networks and map community assets.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Ensure the safety of service users, staff, and the public by effectively assessing and managing risks.

Experience

Proven experience working with individuals affected by drug and alcohol issues, preferably in both group and one-to-one settings.

Qualifications

An NVQ Level 3 or a relevant professional qualification is required.

Skills

Strong motivational skills, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and a commitment to equality and diversity.

Philosophy

A full understanding and support of the 12-step philosophy and recovery-based options.

Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.

Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.

Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.