Substance Use Advocacy Worker

Early Break; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Rochdale seeks an organized individual to manage a high case load of vulnerable young clients experiencing challenges primarily stemming from substance misuse. This full-time role involves delivering training, conducting assessments, and providing tailored support to young people and their families. The compensation ranges between £28,589.60 and £31,812.56 per year, with the expectation of working occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage a high case load of vulnerable young people.
• Skilled in delivering training and support related to substance misuse.
• Experienced in conducting full assessments and developing care plans.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-on-one support to young clients and their families.
• Complete assessments and develop SMART care plans.
• Liaise with agencies for client treatment needs.

Skills

Organization

Teamwork

Training delivery

Assessment and care planning

Legislation awareness

Communication

Job description

• Thursday 30 October 2025 12:00
  Monday 24 November 2025 12:00

Application Deadline: Monday, 24th November 2025 @ 12 Noon
Location: Rochdale
Contract Type: Full-time, 37 hours per week.
Remuneration: Early Break Salary Points 5-9, £28,589.60 to £31,812.56 per annum
Interview Date: Thursday, 4th December 2025

Key Focus

Be an organised individual able to manage a high case load of vulnerable young people experiencing problems related to primarily substance misuse and other vulnerabilities

Be able to work effectively within a team

Be skilled and confident to deliver training and support for external partners in relation to substance misuse and the issues related to it

Offer group work to targeted groups related to improving skills and knowledge in others

Have the ability to carry out specialist assessments and care planning

Strong awareness of legislation as it applies to young people particularly focused on Safeguarding, substance misuse, criminal justice and Emotional Health and Well Being

Be prepared to work evenings and/or occasional weekends as required by the role

To deliver 1:1, face-to-face work with young clients and their parents/carers as appropriate and manage the appointments to best meet clients’ needs in accordance with Early Break Policies and Procedures. This may include evening and/or weekend sessions.

Complete a full assessment of each client’s needs and develop, monitor and review SMART care plans for each individual client using agreed systems.

Offer structured treatment interventions, including substitute prescribing, if required and appropriate.

Making Alternative therapy interventions part of client care planning as appropriate, upskilling yourself to offer this within the course of your role.

Work in community-based settings in order to engage and deliver services to potential clients.

Liaise and develop partnerships with a range of agencies in seeking out the provision which best meets the treatment needs of the young clients identified through referrals.

Offer drop-ins, as required and/or appropriate, in relevant young people’s settings.

Contribute to a range of multi-agency meetings, acting as key worker/advocate for the young client.

Support young clients into inpatient treatment, if available/as appropriate, and maintain contact with them, preparing and arranging for appropriate after-care provision back in the community where this is required.

Adhere to Early Break policies on Safeguarding, linking to local and national policies and guidelines, contributing as the role of Lead Professional as and when required.

Record and report all required client information, using the Company’s agreed database system in line with service expectations and the legal framework of Data Protection.

Maintain and update levels of knowledge and understanding of issues relevant to young people through training offered by Early Break and other agencies, as opportunities arise.

Contribute to the charitable aspect of the service, including social media and charitable fundraising activity.