Drug and Alcohol Practitioner (Bedfordshire)
About The Position
The Drug and Alcohol Practitioner will join Waythrough’s Bedfordshire Young People’s Service, supporting young people who use drugs or alcohol, or who are affected by someone else’s substance use. The role provides interventions tailored to individual needs, ranging from information, advice and brief interventions to longer-term structured support. The practitioner works directly with young people and builds relationships with partner agencies to coordinate effective support and help young people achieve their recovery goals. The post is based in Bedfordshire and is permanent, full-time, with 37 working hours. The stated salary range is £25,877.80–£34,240.03; starting salary depends on experience and progression within the band. Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas through evidence-based services. It reports supporting around 125,000 people through more than 250 services, with 3,500 staff and volunteers.
Requirements
- Understanding of drug and alcohol-related issues and the Recovery Agenda.
- Experience working with young people in an addictions, social care or related setting.
- A relevant qualification in health and social care, youth and community work or a related discipline, such as NVQ Level 3 or above, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling or Addiction Studies; alternatively, experience in the substance misuse field and commitment to completing an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care will be considered.
- Good knowledge of alcohol, drug and health-related issues.
- Experience working collaboratively with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Confidence communicating with partner agencies face-to-face, by telephone and via email.
- Flexible approach and ability to work across different service delivery settings.
- Energetic, confident and motivated approach, with passion for supporting young people and helping them make positive changes.
Responsibilities
- Provide information, advice and support to individuals and groups.
- Deliver brief interventions and longer-term structured interventions.
- Complete comprehensive assessments and risk assessments.
- Develop and review individual care plans.
- Support young people affected by their own substance use or someone else’s substance use.
- Work collaboratively with schools, social care, mental health services and youth offending services.
- Liaise effectively with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals.
- Provide support across a variety of service delivery settings.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records.
- Use Microsoft Office and relevant systems effectively.
- Contribute to a positive, professional and recovery-focused service.
Benefits
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after one year, plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme with a 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%.
- Life assurance at three times annual salary.
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay.
- Birthday leave and option to buy up to five extra days’ annual leave.
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications.
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Recognition and long service awards through 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
