Substance misuse outreach worker

Substance misuse outreach workers advise people with drug or alcohol problems and encourage them to get help from local support services.

Also known as: Recovery worker, early intervention worker

• Starter salary£24,000 a year
• Experienced£37,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 39 a week

What you'll do

As a substance misuse outreach worker, you could:

• work with individuals or groups
• speak with clients to learn about their situation
• support people in managing their own recovery
• advise clients on the best support services for them
• help people access services like housing or benefits advice
• help clients to fill out forms and attend appointments
• give practical and emotional support to families
• write reports and keep confidential records

Working environment

You could work at an outreach centre, in the community or at a health centre.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to understand people's reactions
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a substance misuse outreach worker

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

College

You could do a part-time college course in substance misuse to give you some of the knowledge and skills needed to understand, prevent, and respond to drug and alcohol-related issues.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a support organisation to train as a substance misuse outreach worker.

Relevant apprenticeships include:

• Adult Care Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Peer Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You could volunteer with a drug, alcohol or housing charity to build up your skills and get work experience.

You could also volunteer with a substance misuse organisation. You can find contact details of organisations from Frank.

Direct application

You could apply directly to an employer.

You'll need a good understanding of the issues faced by people with substance misuse problems. For some jobs, you might also need experience in criminal justice, social care, youth work or counselling.

You could also apply if you have personal experience of addiction or dependency. Applications are usually welcome from people who have successfully come through treatment.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a:

• senior recovery worker
• volunteer co-ordinator
• project team leader

You could also specialise in working with a particular group like young people.

Guides for this industry

• Health & Social Care: pay, interviews and getting started →

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