Substance Use Advocacy Worker

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

Job summary

A youth support organization based in Salford is seeking a dedicated individual to work with vulnerable young people facing challenges primarily related to substance use. This full-time role involves managing a high caseload, conducting assessments, and facilitating training for external partners. Ideal candidates should possess strong organizational skills, an understanding of safeguarding, and be comfortable working with clients in community settings. This position offers a competitive salary between £28,589 and £31,812 annually and demands flexibility for evening or weekend work when necessary.

Qualifications

• Experience managing high caseloads of vulnerable young people.
• Skills in delivering training to partners on substance use.
• Ability to develop and monitor SMART care plans.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high caseload of vulnerable young people.
• Conduct assessments and develop care plans for clients.
• Deliver 1:1 support to young clients and their families.
• Liaise with partners to find appropriate support services.
• Maintain accurate client records in compliance with data protection.

Skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Training delivery

Ability to conduct assessments

Knowledge of safeguarding legislation

Client management

Job description

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 28th January 2026 @ 12 Noon
Location: Salford
Contract Type: Full-time, 37 hours per week.
Renumeration: Early Break Salary Points 5-9, £28,589.60 to £31,812.56 per annum
Interview Date: Wednesday, 18th February 2026

Key Focus

Be an organised individual able to manage a high case load of vulnerable young people experiencing problems related to primarily substance use 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 use 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 use, 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.