Social Worker - Substance and Alcohol Team

North East Ambition; Morpeth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England seeks enthusiastic qualified Social Workers to support vulnerable adults affected by substance and alcohol misuse. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in communities while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Working with various health professionals, you'll conduct assessments and promote recovery. The position requires a Social Work degree and successful completion of the ASYE Programme. Offers comprehensive benefits including professional development opportunities, flexible leave, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus public holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi scheme for flexible leave

Essential Car User scheme

Free parking at NCC sites

Free electrical car charging

Equipment provided including mobile phone and laptop

Local government discount schemes

Commitment to work-life balance

Staff networks for peer support

Qualifications

• Must be registered with Social Work England.
• Experience in adult social care is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments for service users.
• Support individuals affected by substance and alcohol misuse.
• Manage own caseload with supervision.

Skills

Commitment to continuous development

Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively

Education

Degree in Social Work

Successfully completed the UK Skills for Care ASYE Programme

Valid UK driving licence

Job description

Make a real difference in one of England's most beautiful counties and help shape brighter futures for those who need it most in Northumberland.

At Northumberland County Council, we’re committed to delivering a high‑quality service to vulnerable adults and their loved ones across the County and we’re looking for professionals who share our vision.

This is an exciting opportunity for experienced Social Workers with post‑qualification experience, or for social workers who have successfully completed the ASYE Programme, to join Northumberland County Council Adults, Ageing & Wellbeing Directorate. It is your chance to join a forward‑thinking organisation that values collaboration and is committed to delivering high‑quality support and better outcomes for the people we work with.

We have an opportunity available in the Substance and Alcohol Team (SaAT).

About the role

At Northumberland County Council, we take pride in our dedicated employees who are passionate about improving the lives of adults in our communities, ensuring they feel safe, healthy, happy, and independent.

You’ll be part of a team dedicated specifically to supporting adults affected by substance and alcohol misuse, making a real difference to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. You will support service users to improve wellbeing and try to promote and achieve abstinence and recovery, contributing to safer and healthier communities across Northumberland.

This role offers the chance to work collaboratively with health professionals from specialist services, voluntary sector partners, and community services to deliver person‑centred support. You’ll develop expertise in complex safeguarding and substance misuse interventions, with access to comprehensive training and development opportunities.

In this role, you will conduct comprehensive assessments and enjoy a healthy balance of autonomy and support. You’ll manage your own caseload while receiving regular supervision and consistent guidance from your Team Manager. A clear understanding of the Care Act and the Local Authority’s statutory duties is essential.

What we are looking for

• Enthusiastic, qualified Social Workers with a commitment to continuous development

If you bring these skills and values, we invite you to join a progressive and innovative organisation that truly values its employees.

Additional benefits of working for Northumberland include the support of our dedicated Adult Social Care training team, who provide a wide range of career development opportunities to help you grow and progress in your role. From specialist workshops to structured pathways, we are committed to investing in your professional development including the option to undertake specialist accredited training such as the Approved Mental Health Professional and Practice Educators qualifications.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work & registered with Social Work England
• Successfully completed the UK Skills for Care ASYE programme
• Valid UK driving licence and ability to use a car for work purposes

For further information on this position, please contact Jo Brennan, Senior Manager at [e-mail] or Kate Nickson, Team Manager at [e-mail].

Why choose us

Northumberland is world‑renowned as a visitor destination and an ideal location to strike a perfect work‑life balance. There is no better way of enjoying the picturesque scenery and stunning coastline than on an everyday basis!

We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of local authority continuous service (pro rata for part‑time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi scheme – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees)
• Essential Car User scheme
• Free parking in majority of NCC base sites
• Free electrical car charging at County Hall
• Equipment provided including mobile phone and laptop
• Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
• Commitment to work‑life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing and flexible working arrangements
• A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available
• Staff networks – run by staff, for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support, staff development e.g. Apprenticeship, Armed Forces, ASD, Enable (disability), LGBT+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing and Racial Equality

To see all our excellent benefits and perks, please click here.

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Further information

For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Alternative application format: British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net

For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service, dial 018001 01670 623930

Although we advertise on North East Jobs and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.