Support Worker

Waythrough; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health support charity is seeking a Support Worker in North Dorset. In this rewarding role, you will guide individuals towards recovery and improved well-being. Responsibilities include managing treatment plans and collaborating with partners. Ideal candidates should have a background in mental health or substance misuse services and possess key skills such as caregiving and case management. This position offers a competitive salary range of £24,243 – £28,930 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

27 days annual leave rising to 32

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Life assurance

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

Recognition awards

Recommend a Friend bonus

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts via Blue Light Card

Free will writing service

Qualifications

• Experience in substance misuse services is a plus.
• A background in mental health support is highly valued.
• Experience within the criminal justice sector is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload, devising and reviewing treatment plans.
• Support individuals towards sustained recovery.
• Collaborate with partners to achieve health outcomes.

Skills

Nursing Home Experience

Developmental Disabilities Experience

Direct Support

Computer Operation

Caregiving

Case Management

Special Needs

Training & Development

Child Protective Services

Experience with Children

Word Processing

Addiction Counseling

Education

Relevant academic qualification (e.g. Criminology, Psychology, Law, Sociology)

Job description

Support Worker (North Dorset)

Location: Gillingham

Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,243 – £28,930

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives? Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day. We support over 125,000 people each year across 200 services, empowering individuals to overcome challenges around mental health, housing and substance use.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team in North Dorset as a Support Worker. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by supporting them on their journey towards recovery and improved well‑being.

As a Support Worker you will play a vital role in guiding individuals through recovery by providing tailored, person‑centred support and coordinating services that promote positive outcomes. You will work closely with individuals, colleagues and partner organisations to help reduce substance‑related harm and support long‑term self‑sustained recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload, including devising, implementing and reviewing ongoing recovery and treatment plans
• Supporting individuals from initial engagement through structured treatment to sustained recovery
• Reducing substance‑related harm to individuals and the wider community
• Working collaboratively with key partners and internal colleagues to achieve the best possible health and well‑being outcomes

About You

We welcome applicants from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds. Whether you have direct experience or transferable skills, your passion for supporting others is what matters most.

We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following:

• Experience in substance misuse services
• A background in mental health support
• Experience within the criminal justice sector
• A relevant academic qualification (e.g. Criminology, Psychology, Law, Sociology)
• A strong portfolio of volunteering in a similar role

Experience in case management and the ability to manage expectations within an emotionally demanding role are highly valued as they support our commitment to delivering consistent high‑quality care.

Key Skills

• Nursing Home Experience
• Developmental Disabilities Experience
• Direct Support
• Computer Operation
• Caregiving
• Case Management
• Special Needs
• Training & Development
• Child Protective Services
• Experience with Children
• Word Processing
• Addiction Counseling

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days annual leave rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3 annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family‑friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• 500 Recommend a Friend bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We are registered with the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

To apply, email our recruitment team. Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.