Outreach Recovery Workers - West Cornwall(Ref:0028ZB)

NHS; Penzance; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking Outreach Recovery Workers in West Cornwall to provide support to individuals facing substance misuse issues. Candidates will conduct harm reduction interventions and coordinate care with local agencies. Essential skills include resilience, relationship-building, and the ability to work under pressure. A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are required. The role offers benefits such as 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a pay-for-referrals scheme.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Extra day off for birthday

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

2 days paid volunteer leave

Access to a pension scheme

Blue Light Card for savings

Flexible working opportunities

£500 bonus for successful referrals

Qualifications

• Understanding the problems faced by homeless people and those in insecure accommodation.
• Experience in outreach, housing, health, social care, or similar setting.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach support to individuals experiencing drug and alcohol problems.
• Conduct harm-reduction interventions and assess clients’ needs.
• Coordinate care and support for clients with local agencies.

Skills

Resilience

Relationship-building

Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge of homelessness and care planning

Education

OCN/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Outreach Recovery Workers - West Cornwall (Ref:0028ZB)

Please refer to the linked job description to support your application. All applicants must submit a CV along with a cover letter explaining why they should be considered for this role. Applications will not be accepted without a cover letter. Please note: This role may close earlier than 31st December 2025 if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Main duties of the job

We are part of a large integrated drug and alcohol service working with some of Cornwall’s most excluded and disadvantaged people. Successful candidates will work alongside in‑house services which include community, clinical, criminal justice and a residential rehabilitation facility.

Drug and Alcohol Outreach: The drug and alcohol outreach service is recruiting outreach recovery workers who can be based from either of our main sites in Penzance or Liskeard. You will work alongside the adult community service and the young people’s service to ensure that an accessible treatment offer is available to those who find themselves rough sleeping or in insecure accommodation. The service is countywide and promotes a holistic multi‑agency response to the needs of the individual.

As an outreach recovery worker you will meet people in their space more often than in an office, offering harm reduction, assessment and access to a range of treatment options. Due to the outreach basis of this role, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is required. The post holder will work 37.5 hours per week with occasional weekend work.

Job responsibilities

• Provide outreach and recovery support to individuals experiencing drug and alcohol problems, particularly those who are rough sleeping or in insecure accommodation.
• Conduct harm‑reduction interventions and assess clients’ needs to facilitate access to suitable treatment and support services.
• Build relationships with local agencies (community health, justice, housing, domestic abuse) to coordinate care and support for clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, paperwork and reports in line with service standards.
• Monitor client progress, adapt care plans and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve recovery outcomes.

Essential skills & qualifications

• Resilient and committed individual with an understanding of the problems faced by people who are homeless or in insecure accommodation.
• Evidence of continuous professional development – OCN/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, or willingness to achieve within 12 months.
• Demonstrable experience in outreach, housing/homelessness health, social care, criminal justice, domestic abuse or a similar specialist setting.
• Successful track record with substance misuse clients.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure.
• Knowledge of health and safety, including assessment of high‑risk situations for service users.
• Knowledge of homelessness, assessment, care planning and key working.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with internal and external stakeholders; effective team player.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport (travelling across Cornwall).
• Flexible and able to work unsocial hours when required.

Qualifications

• Experience of working within substance misuse is beneficial; training will be provided.

Person Specification

• Resilient, committed, and able to prioritise and work under pressure.
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety, homelessness assessment, care planning.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport; flexible hours.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• An extra day off for your birthday or a special occasion.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 2 days paid volunteer leave per year.
• Auto‑enrollment into a pension scheme.
• Access to a Blue Light Card for savings on high‑street and online brands.
• Flexible working opportunities and support for wellbeing.
• Refer a Friend scheme – £500 bonus for successful referrals (subject to 6‑month probation completion).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.