Families First Recovery Worker (Devon)

Recovery Focus; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days’ annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Life assurance (3× annual salary)

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

Job summary

Waythrough is recruiting three Recovery Workers to support families affected by drug and alcohol use across Barnstaple, Totnes and Exeter. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team to engage parents, run assessments, and develop recovery plans that promote child safety and family stability.

The role focuses on person-centred, strengths-based support, helping families access treatment and wider services, with a commitment to safeguarding and collaborative practice.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of families.
• Develop tailored recovery plans for parents and carers.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions to reduce harm and support recovery.
• Collaborate with social workers and partner agencies to coordinate care.
• Help families access wider services and resources for wellbeing.

Skills

Empathy

Assessment skills

Family engagement

Care planning

Job description

Families First – Recovery Worker

We are looking for 3 Recovery Workers. One to be based at each Barnstaple, Totnes and Exeter. Working Hours: 37 Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £25,110 - £32,090 (please note the starting salary for this position is £29,000) We are looking for three motivated and compassionate Recovery Workers to join our Drug and Alcohol Service as part of the Family Safeguarding Approach.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary model that supports families where substance misuse may impact parenting, family stability, and the safety of children. As a Recovery Worker, you will provide specialist support to parents and carers affected by drug and alcohol use, helping them to engage in treatment, build recovery goals, and make positive changes that benefit both themselves and their families. Working closely with social workers, domestic abuse specialists, mental health practitioners, and other partner agencies, you will play a vital role in delivering coordinated, family-focused interventions. The role involves undertaking comprehensive assessments, developing tailored recovery plans, and delivering evidence-based interventions that support individuals to reduce harm, sustain recovery, and strengthen parenting capacity. You will also support families to access wider services and resources that promote wellbeing and long‑term stability. We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people to achieve meaningful change, values collaborative working, and is committed to delivering person‑centred, strengths‑based support within a safeguarding environment.

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 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.

Closing Date: 2026-09-22

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. In April 2026, Aquarius, our former subsidiary partner, merged with Waythrough. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have 260 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 130,000 people.