Drug Alcohol Worker jobs in Manchester

“Early Break is a young people and family charity that believes excellence at all points of delivery is a requirement. If you take pride in your work, are hardworking, want to be professionally challenged and are passionate to make a difference in the lives of others then our organisation could well suit you. We have a strong set of values determined by staff which we continuously work towards. It is our shared expectation our staff will be “professionally curious” both in their delivery and ongoing professional development.”

Vicky Maloney, CEO

Young People's Specialist Substance Use Worker, Rochdale

Full time, 37 hours per week.

Key Focus

The advertised role is as a Young People's Specialist Substance Use Worker. This is to deliver a one-to-one case work role with young people who have a range of issues and who may be at risk of or involved in primarily substance use, criminal activity, be exploited, may have learning difficulties or other vulnerabilities.

Key Deliverables

• To deliver 1:1, face to face work with young clients and their parents/carers as appropriate and manage the appointments to best meet clients’ needs in accordance with Early Break Policies and Procedures. This may include evening and/or weekend sessions
• Complete a full assessment of each client’s needs and develop, monitor and review SMART care plans for each individual client using agreed systems
• Offer structured treatment interventions, including substitute prescribing, if required and appropriate
• Making Alternative therapy interventions part of client care planning as appropriate, upskilling yourself to offer this within the course of your role
• Work in community-based settings in order to engage and deliver services to potential clients
• Liaise and develop partnerships, with a range of agencies in seeking out the provision which best meets the treatment needs of the young clients identified through referrals
• Offer Drop Ins, as required and/or appropriate, in relevant young people’s settings
• Contribute to a range of multi-agency meetings, acting as key worker/advocate for the young client
• Support young clients into in-patient treatment, if available/as appropriate, and maintain contact with them, preparing and arranging for appropriate after-care provision back in the community where this is required
• Adhere to Early Break policies on Safeguarding, linking to local and national policies and guidelines contributing as the role of Lead Professional as and when required
• Record and report all required client information, using the Company’s agreed database system in line with service expectations and the legal framework of Data Protection
• Maintain and update levels of knowledge and understanding of issues relevant to young people through training offered by Early Break and other agencies, as opportunities arise
• Contribute to the charitable aspect of the service including social media and charitable fundraising activity

Company Benefits

• Health Benefit - % claimed back on healthcare costs like dental, optical, and prescriptions - part of our ongoing benefit to staff wellbeing.
• Company Pension Contribution of 6% (employee contributions 2%)
• 30 days annual leave pa (in addition to 8 Bank Holidays)
• Long Service Leave: an additional 4 weeks paid holiday after every 3 years in service (subject to attendance thresholds).
• Wellbeing Day: 2 x half days of additional paid leave every 12 months as a ‘wellbeing day’ for staff.
• Volunteer Day: 1 day additional paid leave every 12 months as a ‘volunteer’ opportunity with another third sector organisation of your choice
• Supervision: 10 sessions per 12 months with an external supervisor to facilitate reflective practice.

Further information and application form can be found at https://earlybreak.co.uk/early-break-jobs#job-vacancies Please email recruitment@earlybreak.co.uk or call 0161 723 3880 if you would like to discuss the role in more detail.

Closing Date: Thursday 5th November 2026 at 12:00 noon

Interview Date: Thursday 12th November 2026

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £28,589.60-£31,812.56 per year

Work Location: In person