Project Worker - Substance Misuse Service Plymouth

The Children's Society; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization is seeking an experienced Substance Misuse worker in Plymouth. In this role, you will help young people with substance misuse issues, providing assessments and group support. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of substance misuse, the criminal justice process, and psychosocial interventions. The position is full-time and permanent, with a commitment to safeguarding young people.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with substance misuse issues.
• Ability to deliver group work and support individuals and families.
• Understanding of psychosocial interventions and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Assess and treat young people for drug/alcohol problems.
• Provide support and advice to professionals.
• Deliver group work where appropriate.

Skills

Knowledge of substance misuse (drugs and alcohol)

Knowledge of the criminal justice process

Knowledge of child/adolescent development

Knowledge of change behavior interventions

Job description

35 hours per week

Salary: £29,855 per annum (plus allowances)

Location : Plymouth

Permanent with funding until 31st May 2029

The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We’re there for children, every step of the way.

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for children who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services around the country.

We are currently looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Substance Misuse worker to join our dynamic, ambitious team.

A key part of this role will be your ability to ensure that all young people in contact with the service are assessed and treated for identified drug/alcohol problems, contributing to the overall provision of services for young people who misuse substances in the Plymouth area. You will work with individual young people and their families and act as a consultant to other professionals who may require specialist help and support, providing comprehensive assessments along with information, advice and support. You will also be required to deliver group work where appropriate.

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

• Knowledge of substance misuse (drugs and alcohol) and awareness of national and local initiatives, including vaping, SCRA's and THC, including relevant policy and government drug strategy documents;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice process, specifically in relation to young people;
• Knowledge of child/adolescent development, young person-centred interventions, psychosocial interventions, SMART goal planning and risk assessment;
• Knowledge of change behaviour interventions as well as an oversight of addictive behaviours - able to identify, screen, and assess substance misuse needs using tools such as DUST.
  
  

The Children’s Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children’s lives happier and safer.

Every day we’re changing the lives of children in this country for the better – and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, which includes the disclosure of criminal records, vetting checks, and the provision of appropriate references. The number and type of references required may vary depending on the nature and responsibilities of the role, ensuring that each appointment is carefully assessed. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our Youth Impact Domain will be required to complete an “Employment history_template” document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be loaded by the candidate at the point of uploading your CV.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 25th August 2025.

Interviews date to be confirmed.

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