Recovery Worker

Change Grow Live; Borough of Swale; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A national charity is looking for a Recovery Worker in HMP Elmley to support individuals affected by substance misuse. You will deliver trauma-informed interventions, work within a healthcare model, and promote the social reintegration of service users. The ideal candidate should have experience in substance misuse, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach. This role offers 37.5 hours/week, with generous benefits including training and wellness support.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Paid weekly Wellness Hour

Contributory pension scheme

Range of discounts

Ongoing training opportunities

Refer a Friend scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of substance misuse and experience in a similar field.
• Experience within a prison or criminal justice setting is ideal.
• Ability to work proactively and prioritize competing demands.
• Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support service users from initial engagement through treatment and recovery.
• Deliver psychosocial interventions as part of the recovery service.
• Work in partnership with healthcare providers and prison colleagues.
• Support social integration by promoting recovery and resilience.

Skills

Understanding of substance misuse

Excellent communication skills

Partnership-working skills

Ability to manage change

Time management

Job description

At Change Grow Live, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to change the direction of their life. As a national charity rooted in compassion, evidence and respect, we work alongside people affected by substance use to help them access the right support, at the right time, in a way that recognises them as individuals. Our values - Be open. Be compassionate. Be bold. - shape how we work every day, guiding our practice with people who use our services, our partners, and each other. We are now looking for a Recovery Worker to join our dedicated prison‑based team at HMP Elmley, supporting people in custody who are affected by drug and alcohol use. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in substance misuse who is ready to take the next step in their career within a values‑led organisation that actively invests in learning, development and progression. As a Recovery Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting people from point of entry into the service and throughout their treatment and recovery journey within the secure estate. Working as part of an integrated health and wellbeing model, you will deliver person‑centred, trauma‑informed psychosocial interventions, helping individuals to reduce harm, build resilience and prepare for recovery both in custody and on release.

Responsibilities

• Supporting service users from initial engagement through treatment and recovery
• Delivering psychosocial interventions as part of the prison Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service
• Working in partnership with healthcare providers and prison colleagues within an integrated model
• Advocating for service users who may be unwilling or unable to engage in treatment
• Proactively following up missed appointments to maximise engagement opportunities
• Contributing to risk management processes, including ACCT procedures where appropriate
• Supporting social (re)integration by promoting recovery, resilience, peer support and self‑determination
• This role requires professionalism, adaptability and the ability to work confidently within a secure environment

You will be motivated by making a difference and bring a thoughtful, recovery‑focused approach to your work. You will also demonstrate:

Qualifications

• A strong understanding of substance misuse and experience working in a similar field
• Ideally, experience within a prison or criminal justice setting
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with good IT capability
• The ability to work proactively, manage your time effectively and prioritise competing demands
• A sound understanding of mental health interventions, services and best practice
• Strong partnership‑working skills with internal and external stakeholders
• The ability to manage change in a way that keeps service users at the centre
• A clear commitment to information governance, safeguarding and confidentiality
• A willingness to seek out learning opportunities and contribute to the development of others

Please note: Full‑time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part‑time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by one day per year of service
• A paid weekly Wellness Hour, plus access to our Wellness Hub and Employee Assistance Programme
• A contributory pension scheme
• A wide range of discounts including shopping, cinema and holidays
• A friendly, supportive and inclusive team environment
• Ongoing training, learning and career development opportunities
• A generous Refer a Friend scheme

Together, we foster open, inclusive cultures where people are supported to grow and do their best work.

Eligibility and Conditions

• The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and obtain HMPPS security clearance, Police Vetting or MOJ vetting
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Salary

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35) N/A - Outside London Weighting Area