Outreach Recovery Worker – Penrith and Carlisle
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday–Friday 9:00am–5:00pm
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240
Contract: Permanent
Location: Penrith & Carlisle (community-based/outreach)
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.
Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the role
We’re looking for an Outreach Recovery Worker to join our Recovery Steps Cumbria team, covering Penrith and Carlisle. This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll work directly within the community, supporting individuals at different stages of their recovery journey.
You will manage your own caseload, providing outreach support to individuals who may be vulnerable, marginalised, or at risk of disengaging from services. The role focuses on building relationships, encouraging engagement, and supporting people to access the right treatment and recovery pathways.
Working both independently and as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team, you’ll collaborate with partners such as housing services, healthcare professionals, and criminal justice agencies to ensure individuals receive holistic, person-centred support.
This is a role where you can make a genuine difference, supporting people to improve their health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
About you
You’ll be passionate about supporting others and committed to creating fair opportunities for all. You’ll be confident working both independently and as part of a team, with the ability to build trust and engage individuals who may be difficult to reach.
You will:
1. Hold an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or be willing to work towards it
2. Have a good understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing substance misuse
3. Be confident managing a caseload and working with people with complex needs
4. Be able to work flexibly across community settings
Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
We welcome applicants with transferable skills and are open to supporting development for the right candidate.
Full job description and person specification is available upon request.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
5. 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
6. Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
7. Life assurance (3× annual salary)
8. Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
9. Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
10. Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
11. 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
12. Recognition and long service awards via our and portals
13. £500 bonus
14. Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
15. Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
16. Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.
We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team:
Closing Date:
2026-04-28