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Substance misuse outreach worker

Substance misuse outreach worker

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

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

on call as customers demand

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, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

Volunteering and experience

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 Addaction.

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:

pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties with clients may include:

gaining their trust so they agree to let you help them
finding out about their situation and needs
giving face-to-face advice about health protection
talking about their options for support
finding and agreeing the best services to help them
helping them to get access to services like housing or benefits advice
going to appointments with them and giving help with forms
working with their families to give wider practical and emotional support
writing reports and recording information so that other professionals can help

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

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

Apprenticeships In England

Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship

Wage : £117.00 Weekly
Location: Brampton CA8 1SU

Residential Home Care Assistant Apprentice

Wage : £117.00 Weekly
Location: Oxford OX2 6LA

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England