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Substance misuse outreach worker

Alternative titles for this job include

Substance misuse outreach workers encourage people to get help from local support services, and advise them on minimising risks to health.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

on call flexibly

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a substance misuse outreach worker

You can get into this job through:

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

College

There are part-time college courses which will give you an understanding of some of the issues. These include:

  • Level 1 or Level 2 Award in Substance Misuse Awareness
  • Level 3 Certificate in Tackling Substance Misuse

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through an adult care worker intermediate 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

More Information

Volunteering

Volunteering with an organisation like a drug, alcohol or housing charity is a good way to build skills and experience, and is often a way into paid work.

You can find contacts for local substance misuse organisations from online services like Frank where you can search by postcode or town.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to employers, if you've got relevant skills and knowledge. You'll need a good understanding of the issues facing people with substance misuse problems.

Experience in criminal justice, social care, youth work or counselling may give you an advantage when looking for paid work.

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.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a substance misuse outreach worker from Alcohol Change UK and we are with you.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could work with individuals and groups. You could:

  • support people to manage their own recovery
  • find out about people's situations and needs
  • give face-to-face advice on health protection
  • talk about options for support
  • find and agree the best services to help people
  • help people to get access to services like housing or benefits advice
  • provide help to get to appointments or fill out forms
  • work with families to give wider practical and emotional support
  • write reports and record information, keeping to guidelines on confidentiality

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior recovery worker in charge of a team, volunteer co-ordinator or project team leader.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Adult Care Worker - Alexandra Road, Blackpool

  • Wage: £15,600.00 Annually
  • Location:

Apprentice Care and Support Worker

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Wellbeck
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

CPCAB Understanding Substance Misuse Award

  • Provider: WIRRAL METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 January 2022
  • Location: Birkenhead

Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse

  • Provider: NELSON AND COLNE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 June 2023
  • Location: Accrington
Find courses near you

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