Hope Worker Recovery Navigator (Health, Outreach, Prevention and Engagement)

Location: 5-6 Burleigh Court, Barnsley, S70 1XY

Working Hours: 37 hours per week 9am-5pm with late night Thursday 11am-7pm – on rota basis
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum

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:

We’re looking for a compassionate and proactive HOPE ( (Health, Outreach, Prevention and Engagement) Worker to join our team. In this role, you’ll support individuals affected by substance misuse by providing immediate, practical help and encouraging long-term recovery.

You’ll work closely with service users, professionals, and the wider community to reduce harm, prevent relapse, and help people build healthier, more stable lives.

Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery & Support

• Manage a caseload, completing assessments, risk assessments, and support plans
• Deliver brief and extended interventions to motivate change
• Support walk-in assessments, referrals, and triage activity
• Work alongside Recovery Co-ordinators to support structured recovery pathways

Outreach & Engagement

• Deliver targeted outreach, in-reach, and cross-reach activities
• Engage service users and encourage participation in recovery plans
• Work with families, carers, and partner agencies where appropriate

Health Promotion & Harm Reduction

• Provide advice on safer drug use, safer sex, and blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
• Support needle exchange services (fixed site and community-based)
• Contribute to health campaigns and prevention initiatives

Specialist Support

• Work with individuals using alcohol, opiates, and non-opiate substances (including IPED, NPS, and OTC drugs)
• Support aCcess to services that improve recovery outcomes and social stability​

Community & Pharmacy Outreach

• Work with pharmacies and communities to expand naloxone distribution
• Support and develop community needle exchange services
• Provide training on harm reduction and safe storage

Complex Needs Support

• Work with partner agencies to support individuals with complex needs (e.g. homelessness, mental health, offending)
• Manage a small caseload requiring intensive, multi-agency support

About you:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals (e.g. substance misuse, mental health, or social care)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Desirable:

• Experience in outreach or community-based roles
• Knowledge of harm reduction and recovery approaches
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle

To view the full job and person specification, please 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: [email protected] 

Closing Date: