Job Overview
Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Support Worker
The Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide compassionate, practical and non-judgemental support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and whose use of alcohol or drugs is affecting their health, well-being or ability to maintain accommodation.
The role is focused on providing structured support pathways, helping clients move from immediate harm reduction and crisis support towards sustained engagement with appropriate long-term specialist services. This may include drug and alcohol treatment, healthcare, mental health support, counselling, rehabilitation and recovery services.
The post will not replace specialist treatment providers. Its purpose is to build trust, reduce immediate harm, prepare people to engage with specialist support and help them remain connected to that support over time.
Main duties
- Provide structured one-to-one support to people affected by alcohol and drug use.
- Complete an initial assessment and agree a personalised harm-reduction and support plan with each client.
- Identify the practical, emotional and behavioural barriers preventing clients from engaging with specialist services.
- Provide practical advice around safer use, overdose prevention, naloxone and reducing immediate health risks.
- Help clients understand the links between substance use, trauma, mental health, homelessness and tenancy breakdown.
- Create a clear pathway towards appropriate long-term specialist support, with agreed steps and regular reviews.
- Make warm referrals to drug and alcohol treatment, GPs, mental health services, counselling, rehabilitation and other appropriate provision.
- Maintain contact with clients during waiting periods and transitions between services, helping them stay motivated and engaged.
- Advocate for clients and help improve communication between the client and specialist services.
- Deliver structured harm-reduction sessions and small-group activities.
- Support clients whose substance use is placing their accommodation or future tenancy at risk.
- Work closely with the Mental Health and Neurodiversity Support Worker and the wider Partners for Change team.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records, support plans, referrals and outcomes.
- Build effective working relationships with specialist treatment providers, healthcare services and community organisations.
- Contribute to the safe and effective day-to-day running of the day service.
Skills and experience
- Experience of working directly with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is essential.
- Experience of working within a day service, homelessness service or similar frontline support environment is highly desirable.
- Experience of supporting people affected by substance use, trauma, poor mental health or multiple disadvantage.
- A good understanding of harm-reduction approaches and pathways into treatment and recovery support.
- The ability to build trust with people who may previously have struggled to engage with services.
- Strong communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills.
- A calm, compassionate and non-judgemental approach.
- The ability to develop structured support plans, manage a caseload and review progress.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Relevant experience or training in substance misuse, public health, social care or support work is desirable, together with a willingness to undertake further training.
Pay: £29,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
