About the Role
Recovery Worker – Substance Misuse (Multi-Disciplinary Team). Fixed Term, Full Time.
Salary: £31,931 to £36,423 per annum. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Community-based worker. Closing Date: 8th March 2026. Fixed Term Contract / Secondment until February 2028.
The Team
The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) comprises subject matter experts specialising in housing, domestic abuse, education, drug and alcohol support, youth work and mental health for adults and children. MDT workers bring specialist knowledge and therapeutic insight. Their expertise is instrumental in re‑engaging families, restoring hope, and fostering sustainable change.
The Role
Working alongside Social Workers, promote family members’ involvement to improve outcomes for children.
Engage individuals with complex presentations and substance/alcohol misuse challenges, providing support and clinical interventions.
Carry out risk assessments, including safety plans, and contribute to the development of individual recovery plans for those who wish to access community treatment/support services.
Utilise motivational interviewing, ITEP, cognitive behavioural techniques, and brief interventions to promote engagement in treatment services, encourage self‑esteem, well‑being, and self‑responsibility, and improve parenting capacity.
Review ongoing care and treatment, liaising closely with partner agencies and supporting engagement with the right services at the right time.
Accountabilities
* Work and liaise with other agencies involved with the client’s broader care plan including health services, hospitals and GP’s.
* Use recognised, up‑to‑date evidence‑based interventions and be responsible for the development, delivery and coordination of a recovery‑focused model.
* Contribute to the service to ensure that parents/carers and their children receive high‑quality services that adhere to best practice guidelines and achieve high professional standards.
* Contribute to the overall performance of the service to ensure contractual output targets are achieved and record and input client data to operate within contractual, administrative and financial requirements.
* Work flexibly across the operational site as required and within an agreed number of hours to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision.
* Take responsibility for personal development, identify training needs and participate in regular supervision and appraisal.
Experience You Will Bring
* Strong experience working within substance misuse services.
* Experience working with high‑risk families where children are subject to Child Protection or Child in Need Plans.
* Effectiveness in supporting adults with a history of substance misuse with demonstrable outcomes.
* Demonstrable experience as a catalyst for change in families’ lives.
* Experience handling challenging presentations such as resistance, minimisation and denial and achieving positive outcomes.
* Knowledge of local services and issues.
* Training in ITEP/BTEI or other structured psychosocial interventions.
* Qualifications relating to substance misuse.
Role Requirements
The role requires mobility throughout Essex and beyond, including transporting service users. A valid driving licence and a car or alternative means to meet mobility requirements is essential.
Next Steps
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be invited to attend a face‑to‑face interview at an Essex County Council office, with interviews expected to take place in March 2026. If successful, the anticipated start date is from April 2026.
Disability and Equality
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements under our Job Interview Scheme and to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
We also commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Contact
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr