Drug and Alcohol Specialist Support Worker

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Drug and Alcohol Support Worker to join our Homelessness Social Care Service Tower Hamlets.

£29,073 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

What you'll do:

Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Key-working the most complex service-users with particular needs aligned with Drug and Alcohol dependency
Creating support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customers to progress in their recovery
Undertaking support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions, leading on partnering with specialist stakeholders;
Upskilling staff team in particular area of expertise - Drug and Alcohol dependency.
Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
Demonstrate strong commitment to the functioning of the staff team and to support colleagues in providing a high level of service and safety to customers
Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times e.g. fire risk assessments, fire alarm checks etc.
Being responsible for the handover of key information between shifts
Providing structured support and guidance to other front line staff in their area of expertise
To lead groups and activities - offering a range of appropriate therapeutic and recovery focused interactions and activities
Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager
Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support plus those specific to the project including any statutory requirements
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

Excellent interpersonal skills
Socially adept, networks widely, well connected in sector, influential
At ease in directing others, is assertive and independent minded, will challenge others, and skilled in resolving conflict
Drives change, enjoys dynamic diverse environments and demonstrates entrepreneurialism, creativity and innovation
Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem
Demonstrates significant levels of emotional resilience and a positive attitude
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experiences of using services
What you'll bring:

Essential:

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. substance misuse, psychology, Health and Social Care,).
Experience building and developing strong professional partnerships with external providers.
A minimum of 2 years experience in complex needs services, community development, addiction counselling, drug and alcohol work or other related fields.

Desirable:
2-3 years experience providing targeted recovery focussed support to individuals with needs around trauma, mental health, substance use and dual diagnosis.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.