Specialist Harm Reduction Worker - Fixed Term

The Methodist Church in Britain; Leven; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and holidays

Birthday/special occasion day off

Maternity/Paternity/Adoption leave

Volunteer leave

Pension scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Flexible working and wellbeing support

Referral bonus

Job summary

WithYou is seeking a frontline harm reduction worker in Scotland for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role supports people at risk from drug and alcohol harm, with outreach and one-to-one sessions, and requires a driving licence with access to a vehicle. Flexible evening/weekend shifts may apply.

The job involves delivering interventions, liaising with partner agencies, and managing an active caseload while maintaining high standards of care and confidentiality. Enhanced DBS check may apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in a health, social care, criminal justice or similar setting.
• Proven record of efficient, reliable customer service.
• Experience delivering group work, especially outreach and community settings.

Responsibilities

• Deliver harm reduction interventions and advice on reducing drug and alcohol harm, including safer use.
• Carry out structured one-to-one work with clients most at risk.
• Run outreach harm reduction in community settings.
• Liaise with partner agencies through multi-agency working.
• Manage an active caseload and provide continuity of care.
• Act as key worker and coordinate each client's care.
• Help develop harm minimisation interventions in a community setting.
• Build quick rapport with clients, treating them with respect and dignity.

Skills

Health and social care experience

Customer service

Group work (outreach)

Evidence-based interventions

Health and safety knowledge

Organised and time management

Relationship building

Resilience under pressure

IT and digital skills

Job description

This fixed-term post, lasting 12 months, is a frontline role with WithYou supporting people at risk from drug and alcohol harm. The work centres on harm reduction advice, structured one-to-one sessions, outreach and multi-agency liaison, with a live caseload to manage. The role is distinct for its community and outreach focus, including group work and developing harm minimisation interventions, with occasional evening and weekend shifts. Applicants need a driving licence with access to a vehicle, and an enhanced DBS check may apply.

What the job involves

• Deliver harm reduction interventions and advice on reducing drug and alcohol harm, including safer use
• Carry out structured one-to-one work with clients most at risk
• Run outreach harm reduction in community settings
• Liaise with partner agencies through multi-agency working
• Manage an active caseload and provide continuity of care
• Act as key worker and coordinate each client's care
• Help develop harm minimisation interventions in a community setting
• Build quick rapport with clients, treating them with respect and dignity

What's required

Experience

• Experience in a health, social care, criminal justice or specialist setting, or a clear motivation for drug and alcohol work
• Track record of efficient and reliable customer service
• Experience of delivering group work, particularly in outreach and community settings

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of delivering evidence-based interventions
• Knowledge of health and safety, including assessing clients in high-risk situations
• Highly organised, with excellent communication and time management
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Resilience under pressure and ability to prioritise work
• Comfortable using IT and digital media

Checks & eligibility

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Enhanced DBS check where applicable
• Three years of references

Other

• Flexibility with working hours on occasion, and willingness to support other WithYou locations

What's offered

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• An extra day off for a birthday or special occasion
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• 2 days paid volunteer leave per year
• Auto-enrolment into the pension scheme
• Blue Light Card discounts on high-street and online brands
• Flexible working opportunities and wellbeing support
• £500 bonus for a successful referral, paid once the recommended person has been employed for 6 months