Do you have a passion for preventative work? Do you get excited by innovation and new opportunities? We are looking for someone with exceptional communication skills, a passion for rehabilitation and prevention and strong belief in partnership approaches.

The post will join an existing team of two working 35 hrs a week on a shift pattern, to include evenings and a half day weekend shift on rotation. To be based within the Custody Suite of Inverness Police Station (currently home based but transitioning back following COVID Restrictions), but will work extensively in communities throughout Highland. The project is currently funded for a three year pilot phase.

Applications are invited from people living in the Highlands Local Authority area ONLY.

The Recovery Worker Training Project (RWTP) is a new initiative that launched in 2020 in partnership with the Highlands Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), which supports, trains, and prepares individuals with a history of problematic drug and alcohol use, and who live in the Highlands to work in Social Care.

The project, based on SDF’s award-winning Addiction Worker Training Project, prepares participants for employment through formal learning and in-work placements over a 39 week period – whilst paying them to take part.

A key evolution and strength of the RWTP is that the learning aspects of the course are primarily remotely delivered, thus enabling people who live in rural areas across the Highlands to actively participate.

As a Trainee Addiction Worker on the programme, you will learn about the addiction field and how to support people who are currently experiencing issues with their substance use. You will then be able to take this knowledge and put this into practice during a placement within Social Care services.

Alongside learning, you will also meet a tight-knit group of peers and future friends who will be on the programme with you, sharing every step together.

We offer £8.91 per hour before deductions with a fixed term contract of 30 hours per week for 39 weeks. Trainees will undertake work placements in social care agencies and will study towards an SVQ 2 in Social Services and Health Care. At SDF, we believe your experience of drug or alcohol problems is a strength, as it can help you understand some of the issues that someone who is accessing services may face.

Don’t know how to use a computer? – No problem. We will help you learn how to use a computer and provide you with a laptop so you can get the most out of the programme.

“The SVQ class was amazing. Really, really good. The tutor was really good as well. In addition, it was arranged that I got ‘dyslexia support’. Getting the extra support has made me a lot more confident. I still have work to do and hope to continue this after the course.” = Former Trainee