Substance Use Worker (23619)

Barnardo's; Conwy; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnardo's in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated practitioner to deliver evidence-based interventions to families affected by parental substance use across Conwy and Denbighshire, with a focus on Hidden Harm and Parent Factor programmes.

You will work in homes, community venues, schools, and with partner agencies to support children, young people, and families while promoting safeguarding and early intervention.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage hard-to-reach families and work with diverse communities.
• Experience delivering group work and training sessions.
• Strong time management and organisational abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Accurate record-keeping and IT literacy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based interventions to families affected by parental substance use.
• Assess the impact of substance use and develop family support plans.
• Provide direct support in homes, community venues, and schools.
• Coordinate safeguarding, early intervention and signpost to services.
• Collaborate with schools, social services and health professionals.
• Record outcomes and contribute to performance reports.

Skills

Excellent communication

Engage hard-to-reach families

Group work facilitation

Time management

Independent and teamwork

IT skills and record keeping

Job description

To deliver evidence-based interventions to children, young people, and families affected by parental substance use across Conwy and Denbighshire, with a specific focus on the Hidden Harm Programme and the Parent Factor Programme. The post holder will provide direct support to families within homes, community venues, schools, and partner agencies, helping to reduce the impact of substance misuse on children and young people.

The role will support families to reduce risks associated with parental substance use, strengthen parenting capacity, improve family relationships, build resilience, and promote positive outcomes for children and young people. Working directly with parents, carers, children, young people, and partner agencies, the post holder will ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding, early intervention, and family support, enabling families to access the right support at the right time and achieve sustainable positive change.

Ideally the successful candidate would be already based in the area, or very familiar with the local area.

Key Responsibilities

Hidden Harm Programme Delivery

• Deliver the Hidden Harm Programme to families affected by parental substance use.
• Assess the impact of substance use on children, young people, and family functioning.
• Provide targeted interventions to reduce the negative effects of parental substance use on children.
• Promote resilience, emotional wellbeing, and protective factors within families.
• Support children and young people to understand substance misuse and its impact in an age-appropriate manner.
• Develop family support plans and monitor progress against agreed outcomes.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified and managed appropriately.

Parent Factor Programme Delivery

• Facilitate Parent Factor sessions with parents and carers affected by substance use.
• Support parents to develop positive parenting skills and strategies.
• Promote healthy parent-child relationships and attachment.
• Assist parents to understand the impact of their substance use on their children.
• Encourage behaviour change and sustained recovery through family-centred approaches.
• Help parents identify strengths and build confidence in their parenting role.
• Record outcomes and evaluate programme effectiveness.

Family Support

• Conduct assessments and develop person-centred support plans.
• Deliver one-to-one, family-based, and group interventions.
• Provide practical and emotional support to families.
• Signpost and refer individuals to specialist services where appropriate.
• Support families to access community resources and support networks.

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with schools, social services, health professionals, youth services, and other partner agencies.
• Attend multi-agency meetings, case conferences, and safeguarding meetings as required.
• Advocate for the needs of children and families affected by substance use.
• Contribute to the development of local referral pathways and partnership arrangements.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Maintain a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Identify and manage risks to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Follow organisational safeguarding procedures and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records.

• Maintain confidential records in accordance with GDPR and organisational requirements.
• Collect and report outcome data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Contribute to service reports and performance information.
• Understanding of the impact of parental substance use on children and family life.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of child development and family support principles.
• Awareness of substance misuse and recovery models.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage hard-to-reach families.
• Ability to facilitate group work and deliver training sessions.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competent IT skills and accurate record keeping.