Recovery Focus

Children Young People & Family Worker

County Durham Drug & Alcohol - Saddler House Full time

Children Young People & Family Worker - Outreach in Communities

Location: Based in Bishop Aukland - Saddler House

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday between 09:00-17:00 -

There is a possibility of evening/weekend work depending on services needs

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. 

Due to the nature of this role, it is essential you hold a full driving license and have access to your own vehicle.

About the role

We’re looking for a passionate and committed Children, Young People & Family Worker to join our Young People Team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, supporting children, young people and families to reduce the harm caused by substance use and improve overall wellbeing.

This is an outreach-based role, meaning you’ll work flexibly across the community, engaging directly with service users in a variety of settings.

What you’ll be doing

  • Managing a caseload of children, young people and families, delivering tailored support and interventions
  • Carrying out holistic assessments and developing structured support plans
  • Delivering psycho-social and evidence-based interventions (including group work where required)
  • Building strong, trusting relationships with service users and their families
  • Working collaboratively with multi-agency partners such as social workers, health professionals and education services
  • Monitoring progress, reviewing outcomes and adapting support plans as needed
  • Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records
  • Supporting safeguarding processes in line with policy and procedures

What we’re looking for

Essential:

  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently
  • Understanding of safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals
  • Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

Desirable:

  • Experience working with children, young people and/or families
  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
  • Experience in areas such as substance misuse, mental health, youth work or family support
  • Knowledge of care planning, risk management or therapeutic approach

Full job description and person specification available on request.

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:

2026-05-21