Overview
Recovery Coach (Female only – Requirement under the Equality Act 2010). Organisation: Recovery Coaching Scotland (RCS) in partnership with Scottish Borders Council. Hours: 21 per week (0.6 FTE) – flexible working. Contract: 1-year fixed term (with possibility of extension). Location: Scottish Borders (community-based, embedded within Justice Social Work).
Recovery Coaching Scotland (RCS) is a lived experience-led organisation building strong recovery communities across Scottish Borders. We work alongside people experiencing difficulties with alcohol, drugs, or other challenges to support recovery, reduce harm, and promote reintegration into communities. We are expanding our work within the Scottish Borders Justice Social Work team by recruiting a Female Justice Recovery Coach. This new role will strengthen gender-responsive recovery support for women in the justice system while remaining inclusive of men.
About the Role
This post is open to female applicants only. It is an occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, as the role provides gender-responsive support to women engaged with justice services.
* Provide one-to-one and group recovery support for individuals engaged with justice services.
* Make warm referrals to the Recovery Self-Coaching programme and help clients to access and participate.
* Act as a bridge between justice services, treatment providers, and community recovery resources.
* Support throughcare transitions for individuals returning from prison.
* Encourage engagement with peer-led recovery groups, SMART Recovery, cafés, and 12-step fellowships.
* Work closely with partners such as NHS Borders, We Are With You, and third-sector organisations.
This is a rewarding role where your input will directly support people to stabilise, sustain recovery, and successfully complete justice programmes.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
* Passionate about supporting recovery and reducing harm.
* Experienced in 1:1 support, coaching, or group facilitation with vulnerable people.
* Knowledgeable about recovery, substance use, and the justice system.
* Able to work flexibly, creatively, and collaboratively with partners.
* IT confident, with good organisational and communication skills.
Desirable:
* Lived experience of recovery and justice involvement.
* Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
* Experience in a justice, social work, or community recovery setting.
* SVQ Level 2/3 (or willingness to work towards).
Why Join Us
* Be part of a passionate, lived experience-led team making recovery visible in communities.
* Professional development opportunities, including SVQ and CPD training.
* Flexible, supportive working environment.
* Directly contribute to changing lives across the Scottish Borders.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification to:
rod@recoverycoachingscot.org
Note: covering letters that do not include how you meet person criteria will not be considered.
Closing Date: 19 September 2025
Interviews: 7 October 2025, Galashiels.
Equality & Inclusion
Recovery Coaching Scotland is committed to equality and diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and communities. This post is restricted to female applicants only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the work providing gender-specific recovery support.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Health Care Provider
* Industries: Mental Health Care
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