Young Futures-Drug and Alcohol Lead

YMCA - Thames; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-based charity in Greater London is looking for a passionate Young Futures – Drug and Alcohol Lead. This full-time position involves working directly with young residents at multiple sites, providing personalized support to overcome substance-related challenges. The ideal candidate will possess experience in youth work, particularly with substance misuse issues. This role offers a chance to inspire and empower young individuals to access education and life skills training, making a real difference in their lives.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with young people affected by substance misuse.
• Ability to motivate and inspire young people in tough circumstances.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by young people who have been in care.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with young residents providing personalized support.
• Act as a source of expertise for colleagues.
• Support residents facing substance misuse challenges.

Skills

Experience working with young people

Knowledge of substance misuse challenges

Motivational skills

Job description

Overview

YMCA Thames Gateway is serious about safeguarding; this role will be subject to a Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check. At YMCA Thames Gateway we are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to Equal Opportunities. Therefore, we value the importance of diversity and positively welcome applicants from all members of the community. The Association is committed to ensuring that all current and potential staff, members, users and visitors are treated with dignity, fairness and respect regardless of their protected characteristics within the Equality Act (2010).

Responsibilities

We're looking for a passionate and proactive Young Futures – Drug and Alcohol Lead to join our team. You will work directly with young residents at our Dartford and Tunbridge Wells sites, offering personalised support to help them access education, employment and life skills training. The ideal candidate will have experience of working with young people affected by substance misuse, and understand the challenges young people face – particularly those who have been in care or experienced instability. You will be able to motivate, inspire and empower young people, even when circumstances are tough. As the service's Drug & Alcohol Lead, you will act as a source of expertise, guiding colleagues to ensure that residents with substance misuse challenges are supported.

About YMCA Thames Gateway

Thank you for your interest in finding out more about YMCA Thames Gateway Group. Whether you're looking for your first role, coming back to work after a career break, or simply looking for a new challenge, we're happy you're considering us. As a community-based organisation for over 150 years, we are a vibrant and ever-changing charity that offers inclusive programmes in health & wellbeing, childcare, housing and youth work. We are passionate about providing opportunities to those who are most in need. We successfully adapt to the needs of the communities in which we're based – during the pandemic we were able to provide food hampers to families in need, childcare support to keyworkers, and stayed in touch with our senior citizens group who, for many, attending our social groups is a lifeline. Our staff are dedicated to making other people's lives better through the services we provide, and live our Values to Be MORE – Motivated, Open, Respectful, Empowered – so if this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we look forward to hearing from you.

Key Information

• Contract Type: Full Time/Permanent
• Working Pattern: Monday‑Sunday 37.5 hours per week. Shift Patterns 8am‑4pm & 2pm‑10pm including weekends.
• The Job Description and Person Specification can be found here: Young Futures Officer DA Lead.pdf

Additional Information

Please note YMCA Thames Gateway Group does not have a Sponsored Licence to recruit non‑UK workers and therefore all candidates are expected to provide evidence that they are eligible and have the right to work in the UK.