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.
Typical Salary
£20,000 – £35,000
per year
Working Hours
37–39
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you might work with individuals or groups to:
- find out what the situation is and support people to manage their own recovery
- help choose the best services for support
- help people access services like housing or benefits advice
- help people get to appointments or fill out forms
- give practical and emotional support to families
- write reports and keep confidential records
Skills needed
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- knowledge of psychology
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- 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
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience, you couldbecome a senior recover worker, volunteer co-ordinator or project team leader.
You could also specialise in working with a particular group like young people.