Substance Use Family Worker

Substance Use Family Worker
Salary/Grade 5 (SCP 17-22) £31,022 - £33,699 per annum
Fixed Term until 31 March 2029 - 37 hrs per week

Interview Date: 16 September 2026

Join our Team

Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service, if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. You can learn more about us here: Together for Children.

About the role

As a Substance Use Family Worker within our Youth Drug and Alcohol Project (YDAP), you'll play a vital role in supporting children, young people and families affected by substance use.

You'll work directly with young people who are impacted by a parent or caregiver's drug or alcohol use, as well as with parents and caregivers whose child's substance use is causing concern.

You'll provide practical support, undertake assessments, develop support plans and help families build on their strengths to improve outcomes.

Working alongside schools, Family Hubs, Children's Services, health colleagues and other partner agencies, you'll help ensure families receive the right support at the right time.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's lives while working within an experienced and supportive multi-agency team.

You'll also have the opportunity to help shape and develop YDAP's support offer for parents and caregivers, including delivering individual and group-based interventions both in person and online.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people

“Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.” 

We want you to apply if you:

• Have experience of working directly with children, young people and families.
• Have experience of managing competing demands and responding to changing priorities.
• Hold an NVQ Level 3 in Substance Misuse (or equivalent relevant qualification), or are willing to work towards this qualification.
• Have GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Understand the impact substance use can have on children, young people and families.
• Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Can build positive relationships, communicate effectively and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies.
• Are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and supporting people from all backgrounds.?

Please contact View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk for an informal discussion.

Why work with us

· Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.

· Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.

· Work-Life Balance : We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.

· Professional Development : Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.

· Be part of a happier, healthier workforce : Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.

· Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards

· What our team think : About Us

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all background s, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk or View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk k so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.

Are you ready to make a difference?