Drug and Alcohol Specialist Support Worker

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Drug and Alcohol Specialist Support Worker to join our Homelessness service in Hackney.,

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and external partners, creating a positive atmosphere


• Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information


• Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals


• Key-working the most complex service-users with particular needs aligned with Drug and Alcohol dependency


• Creating support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customers to progress in their recovery


• Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'


• Providing support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making


• Undertaking support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions, leading on partnering with specialist stakeholders;


This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead, We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.


• We are Caring and Compassionate.


• We are Inclusive and Trusted.


• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Excellent interpersonal skills
Socially adept, networks widely, well connected in sector, influential
Approachable, open & professional behaviour
At ease in directing others, is assertive and independent minded, will challenge others, and skilled in resolving conflict
Drives change, enjoys dynamic diverse environments and demonstrates entrepreneurialism, creativity and innovation
Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem
Demonstrates significant levels of emotional resilience and a positive attitude
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is passionate and enthusiastic about the business
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Is Customer focussed
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experiences of using services, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. substance misuse, addiction, psychology, Health and Social Care,).
Experience building and developing strong professional partnerships with external providers.
A minimum of 2 years experience in complex needs services, community development, addiction counselling, drug and alcohol work or other related fields.
Good written and oral communication skills

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

£28,486.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

East London Apartments provides 24-hour accommodation-based support for up to 31 individuals with complex histories, multiple traumas, complex personality disorder(s) and a varied, disrupted housing history with experience of homelessness.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do