Recovery Worker

Location: Head Office – Inspiration House, Unit 22, Bowburn North Industrial Estate, Bowburn, Durham, DH6 5PF. The role will involve working across seven HMP sites.

Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £25,877.80–£34,240

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:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our HMP Services as a Recovery Worker – a rewarding and impactful role where you'll support individuals experiencing challenges with drug and alcohol use across seven HMP sites.

As a Recovery Worker, you'll work with individuals at different stages of their recovery journey, from initial assessment and engagement through structured treatment and towards sustained recovery.

You'll provide person-centred support, helping individuals access appropriate interventions, develop recovery goals and build the confidence and skills needed to make positive changes.

Working across seven prison sites, you'll collaborate with prison staff, healthcare professionals, external agencies and community services to ensure individuals receive coordinated and effective support throughout their recovery journey.

In this role, you will:

• Manage an allocated caseload, developing, implementing and reviewing individual recovery plans and treatment interventions.
• Carry out initial screening, triage and comprehensive assessments to understand individual needs and identify appropriate support.
• Support and motivate individuals to progress through their recovery journey, from initial engagement to sustained recovery.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies, colleagues and other professionals to coordinate assessments, interventions and ongoing support.
• Complete risk assessments, safeguarding assessments and risk management plans, ensuring individuals and those around them are appropriately supported.
• Develop and deliver tailored psychosocial interventions through both one-to-one and group-based sessions.
• Support individuals to access treatment, community resources and peer support opportunities that promote recovery and social inclusion.
• Help reduce drug and alcohol-related harm through harm reduction interventions, drug screening, blood-borne virus (BBV) testing, immunisation and needle exchange services.
• Promote positive family involvement in recovery, recognising the impact substance use can have on children, parents, carers and wider family networks.
• Maintain accurate records, contribute to service reviews and work effectively within the organisation's clinical governance and safeguarding frameworks.

About you:

You are passionate about helping people make positive changes in their lives and understand the importance of delivering compassionate, inclusive and person-centred support.

You will hold an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent), or be willing to work towards this qualification in post.

You'll bring an understanding of evidence-based interventions, including brief interventions, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychosocial Interventions (PSIs), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ITEP.

You'll also have experience delivering one-to-one and group-based therapeutic interventions, alongside the ability to build positive relationships and support individuals to achieve their recovery goals.

You will ideally also have:

• Experience of working with families and carers.
• An understanding of safeguarding, hidden harm and the impact of substance use on families.
• Knowledge of harm reduction approaches and recovery planning.
• Experience of carrying out assessments, recovery planning and risk management.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.

You will also need a full UK driving licence and access to your own car, as this role involves regular travel between seven HMP sites.

Who will you be working with?

You'll be part of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside colleagues and professionals across our seven HMP sites.

You'll collaborate with prison staff, healthcare professionals, external agencies and community partners to ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time.

Together, you'll contribute to a supportive working environment, sharing knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality services and achieve positive outcomes for the people we support.

Our Values

At Waythrough, our values underpin everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels supported, respected and empowered.

• Kindness
• Courage
• Respect

To view the Full Job Description CLICK HERE

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: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk 

Closing Date:

2026-12-01