Recovery Worker Substance Misuse
Permanent, Full Time
£31,931 up to £36,423 per annum
Location: Clacton on Sea
Working Style:
Closing Date:15th January 2026
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Clacton-On-Sea 2-3 days per week, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
The Role
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families? Do you have expertise in substance misuse and a commitment to safeguarding children? If so, we invite you to join our dynamic Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) North, where your skills will directly impact families across Essex.
As a Substance Misuse Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in supporting families affected by drug and alcohol use. You’ll work closely with Children’s Social Care to ensure swift access to appropriate services, empowering families to make informed choices and improve outcomes for their children.
The Opportunity
To promote family members involvement to improve outcomes for children
Engage high risk families who have substance/alcohol misuse problems and provide them with advice about, screening and clinical interventions to address their substance/alcohol misuse.
Carry out risk assessments, risk management plans and comprehensive assessments, and to contribute to the development of individual recovery plans with those who express a wish to access community treatment/support services. Work within the Multi Agency Team in order to complete an assessment with an impact and outcome analysis.
Utilise interventions such as, motivational interviewing, ITEP, cognitive behavioural techniques and brief interventions in both one-to-one and group settings to promote engagement in treatment services, encourage self-esteem, well-being, self-responsibility, enhanced motivation and therefore improve their parenting capacity.
Review ongoing care and treatment liaising closely with partner agencies and provide support in engaging with the right services at the right time.
Accountabilities
1. Work and liaise with other agencies involved with the client’s broader care plan including health services, hospitals and GP’s.
2. In fulfilling these aims the post holder will use recognised, up to date evidenced based interventions and will have specific responsibility for the development, delivery and coordination of a recovery focussed model.
3. The post-holder will contribute to the service to ensure that parents / carers and their children consistently receive high quality services that adhere to best practice guidelines and achieve high professional standards.
4. The post holder will be responsible for contributing to the overall performance of the service to ensure that contractual output targets are achieved and will be required to record and input client data and information in order that the service operates within contractual, administrative and financial requirements.
5. The post holder will be required to work flexibly across the operational site as required and within an agreed number of hours to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision.
6. The post holder will be expected to take responsibility for personal development, identifying personal training needs and participate in regular supervision and appraisal.
7. You’ll provide: Expert advice and harm reduction guidance to professionals and families. Direct interventions, assessments, and recovery planning.
8. Support for detoxification (community and residential).
9. Consultation and joint working with social workers on complex cases. Advocacy for children and families, ensuring their voices are heard.
10. Who We’re Looking For
11. You’ll be an experienced professional with a strong understanding of substance misuse and its impact on families. You’ll be confident working in multi-agency settings, with excellent communication and advocacy skills. Experience in social care, mental health, or substance misuse services is essential.
12. Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team.
13. Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
14. Access ongoing professional development and training.
The Experience You Will Bring
15. Experience of working within substance misuse services.
16. Experience of working with high risk families where children are subject to Child Protection or Child in Need Plans
17. Working effectively to support adults and young people with a history of substance misuse with demonstrable outcomes
18. Qualification in substance misuse.
19. Knowledge of local services and geography.
20. Motivational interviewing techniques.
21. Training in ITEP/BTEI or other structured psychosocial interventions.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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