Young People's Drug and Alcohol Worker

Location: North Yorkshire – Covering Harrogate, Richmond, Craven and surrounding areas
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £32,090 per annum pro rata

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band. 

About Waythrough 

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. 

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

About the role:

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes and make lasting changes in their lives?

NY RISE is North Yorkshire's specialist young people's drug and alcohol service, commissioned by North Yorkshire Council. We work with young people aged 10-19, and up to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing specialist support around drug and alcohol use.

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Young People's Drug and Alcohol Worker to join our team. This is a rewarding opportunity to deliver structured interventions, provide early support and empower young people and their families to make informed choices and improve their wellbeing.

Working across North Yorkshire, you will support young people in a variety of settings including schools, community venues, family homes and partner agencies. The role is based within our hybrid outreach model, with a base location determined by the area closest to your home address.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential due to the travel requirements of this role.

Key Accountabilities:

• Undertake assessments and deliver structured interventions to children and young people affected by drug and alcohol use.

• Provide targeted early intervention, brief advice and harm reduction support.

• Work closely with young people to develop personalised support plans that promote positive outcomes and resilience.

• Involve and support families and carers throughout the intervention process where appropriate.

• Deliver structured group work and educational sessions relating to substance use and associated issues.

• Support young people across a variety of settings, including schools, youth services, early help provision and home visits.

• Liaise and work collaboratively with partner agencies, professionals and stakeholders across North Yorkshire.

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to data collection, reporting and service evaluation requirements.

• Participate in supervision, training and continuous professional development activities.

• Work in accordance with safeguarding requirements, national guidance, legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and promotion of the North Yorkshire Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service.

About You

Skills and Experience

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals is desirable.

• Experience managing a caseload and delivering support or interventions within a community, health, education or social care setting is advantageous.

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles and risk management processes.

• Ability to build positive professional relationships with young people, families and partner agencies.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of individuals.

• Excellent written skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and produce reports.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Teams.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and adapt your approach to meet the needs of service users.

• Commitment to maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and high standards of practice.

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)

• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%

• Life assurance (3× annual salary)

• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay

• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave

• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications

• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme

• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals

• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus

• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership

• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good

• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: [email protected] 

Closing Date: