JOB DESCRIPTION
June 2026
Job Title: Outreach Family Support Worker (Southampton)
Salary: £26,500 (pro rata)
Contract: 24 hours per week (flexible hours negotiable, to be agreed within terms and conditions)
Place of Work:
- PSL registered office
- The community
Area of Work:
Southampton (with occasional travel for training or meetings as required)
1. Main Scope of the Job
A.
- To support and assist family members, friends, carers, and significant others who are experiencing the effects of living with, or caring about, or knowing someone affected by drug or alcohol use and/or gambling issues.
B.
- To be part of the Integrated Family and Friends Support Service, working closely Carers Leads and PSL Family Support Workers.
C.
- To work closely with the Service Coordinator to remain up to date and to represent PSL, either jointly or independently as appropriate (e.g. meetings, presentations, and partnership work). You will also be responsible for networking and connecting with communities throughout the city, fostering meaningful relationships, and helping to expand our organization's reach and impact.
2. Position in the Organisation
Reports to: Manager / Deputy manager
Main Relationships and Reference Points
A.
- To be part of the operational team, linking primarily with the PSL Deputy Manager and PSL team.
B.
- To liaise with external agencies and promote the aims of the post, including Health and Social Care professionals and representatives from voluntary, statutory, and private agencies supporting families and carers affected by substance use.
C.
- To act as a link point for partner agencies, providing information about PSL and facilitating appropriate referrals and joint working.
3. Key Tasks
The Family Support Worker will:
- Promote equality, anti-discriminatory, and anti-oppressive practice always.
- Work directly with family members in a range of settings appropriate to need (project base, community venues, or virtual platforms).
- Encourage family members and carers to identify, manage, and take responsibility for their own needs and wellbeing, including involvement in service feedback and evaluation.
- Ensure families are fully involved in decisions affecting them.
- Arrange and deliver support sessions in line with PSL support.
- Facilitate whole-family work where appropriate.
- Facilitate group sessions and workshops when required.
- Actively contribute to the PSL and Inclusion team.
- Maintain accurate written records and reports and report to the Deputy and CEO.
- Develop and maintain strong community links and utilise local resources.
- Contribute to service development within PSL and the Integrated Family and Friends Support Service.
- Attend meetings with Inclusion Carers Leads and hub-based staff to remain up to date.
- Act as a point of contact for PSL Family Support Workers - working within the city of Southampton.
4. Scope of the Job
A.
- Provide appropriate and responsive support mechanisms to family members and carers.
B.
- Provide accurate, up-to-date information to those affected by someone else’s substance use, including signposting to relevant services and care pathways.
C.
- Undertake administrative duties necessary for the effective day-to-day running of the post.
D.
- Share new initiatives, innovations, and practice developments with the Service Manager.
E.
- Act as a key point of contact for other organisations.
5. Duties and Key Responsibilities
A. Family Support
- Provide one-to-one support (telephone, virtual, or face-to-face) offering accurate, sensitive, and non-judgemental information.
- Deliver PSL support services, including 1:1 sessions, whole-family work, group work, and workshops.
- Work collaboratively with drug and alcohol treatment providers to involve families and carers in treatment planning (where consent has been obtained).
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of statutory and voluntary sector resources.
- Signpost families and carers to appropriate local care pathways.
- Attend meetings and networking opportunities to promote the work of PSL.
- Act as the link between PSL and the Inclusion Carers Lead to strengthen partnership working.
B. Partnership and Safeguarding
- Make appropriate referrals (including safeguarding) in consultation with the Service Manager.
- Act as a point of contact for external agencies involved in supporting families and carers.
C. Administration and Professional Practice
- Maintain accurate case records and prepare reports as required by PSL.
- Use data recording systems to log activity and outcomes.
- Complete reports in a timely and consistent manner.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, peer support, and reviews.
- Engage in training and professional development.
- Contribute positively to team objectives and organisational priorities.
- Remain flexible within the remit of the role.
- Follow direction from the CEO regarding priorities and projects.
- Comply with all organisational policies and procedures.
Dignity at Work Statement
PSL is committed to treating all staff with dignity and respect. All staff are expected to act in line with PSL’s Welcoming Diversity Policy and ensure fair, respectful, and non-discriminatory behaviour towards colleagues, volunteers, and service users.
This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. Duties may be reviewed and amended following consultation between the post holder and line manager.
Job Description Prepared: June 2026
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Outreach and Family Support Worker (Southampton)
Experience
Essential
- Experience working with families and/or carers
- Experience (professional or personal) of issues related to drug or alcohol use
Desirable
- Experience providing one-to-one support in health or social care settings
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent listening skills
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Ability to maintain accurate records and produce written reports
- IT skills, including Microsoft software
- Ability to deliver reports and presentations
- Confidence using virtual platforms for service delivery and meetings
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the impact of substance use and gambling on families
- Knowledge of Inclusion services and PSL’s role within the integrated pathway
- Awareness of local health and social care pathways
- Knowledge of local support networks
- Understanding of community-based substance use support
- Awareness of health and safety guidance, including relevant infection control guidance
Education / Training
Essential
- Willingness to undertake further training as required
Other Requirements
Essential
- Ability and willingness to travel across the Isle of Wight/ or Mainland
- Flexibility to work occasional unsociable hours (for example 7pm if running an evening group)
- Commitment to PSL values, policies, confidentiality, and diversity principles
- Willingness to accept direction from line management
Desirable
- Ability to travel off island occasionally for training or conferences
Top of Form
To apply or for an informal discussion:
[email protected]
02380 230645
And send your CV with a covering letter to [email protected]
Bottom of Form
Work Location: In person
