Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Waythrough View All Jobs

Woodside

On-site

GBP 27,000 - 36,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Pension with 4.5% employer contrib.

Life assurance (3× annual salary)

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

Cycle to Work scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Free will writing service

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a proactive Harm Reduction Outreach Worker to join our County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (CDDARS). You’ll deliver evidence-based interventions to reduce drug-related harm, improve access to treatment and support recovery across diverse community settings.

You’ll work independently in the field, build relationships with partner agencies and promote NSP, Naloxone provision, BBV testing and Hepatitis C awareness.

Qualifications

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willing to work towards.
Experience delivering one-to-one and group interventions.
Knowledge of safeguarding and harm reduction frameworks.
Strong communication and organisational skills.
Good IT skills, including MS Office.
Full UK driving licence and own vehicle.

Skills

Strong communication

Workload management

IT skills

Driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent)

Job description

We’re looking for a proactive and passionate Harm Reduction Outreach Worker to join our County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (CDDARS). This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference by reducing drug-related harm and improving health outcomes for individuals and communities across County Durham. As an integral member of our Harm Reduction team, you’ll deliver evidence-based interventions that help keep people safe, improve access to treatment and support recovery. Working across a variety of community settings, you’ll build strong relationships with partner agencies and promote harm reduction initiatives including Needle Syringe Programmes (NSP), Naloxone provision, Blood Borne Virus (BBV) testing and Hepatitis C awareness and treatment. This is a varied outreach role where no two days are the same. You’ll have the autonomy to plan your own workload while working closely with colleagues across the wider service to ensure people receive the support they need, when they need it.

About the Service

County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (CDDARS) provides specialist support to people affected by drug and alcohol use across County Durham. Our dedicated multidisciplinary team delivers a range of interventions designed to reduce harm, improve wellbeing and support lasting recovery. The Harm Reduction team plays a vital role within the service, working with individuals, communities and partner organisations to increase awareness, improve access to life-saving interventions and embed harm reduction into wider health and social care provision.

You’ll be passionate about supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing and thrive in a role where you can build relationships and make a visible difference within local communities. You’ll bring experience of working within substance misuse services or a related field, alongside an understanding of safeguarding, harm reduction principles and evidence-based interventions. You’ll be confident working independently in community settings while also being an effective team player. You’ll also have:

An NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or be willing to work towards this.
Experience delivering interventions on a one-to-one and group basis.
Knowledge of safeguarding, hidden harm and best practice frameworks.
Strong communication and organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload.
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle, as this is an outreach role covering locations across County Durham.

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.

In return, you’ll join a supportive team where you’ll have opportunities to develop your skills, contribute to innovative harm reduction initiatives and play an important part in helping people live healthier, safer lives.

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