Rough Sleeper Harm Reduction Worker

Rough Sleeper Harm Reduction Worker - Newcastle Treatment and Recovery Service

Location: Primarily based at Plummer Court, Newcastle, NE1 6UR, with outreach work required across the city, including hostels and community settings.

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00 (with one 30 min early finish during week)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03

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 Newcastle Treatment and Recovery

Newcastle Treatment and Recovery supports people across Newcastle experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol, helping them get well and stay well. Following a restructure, we're expanding our team and looking for passionate people to join us.

About the Role

As a Rough Sleeper Harm Reduction Worker, you'll support people experiencing homelessness, including those sleeping rough, living in hostels or with no fixed address, who are affected by drug and alcohol use.

Working across Newcastle, you'll use outreach to build positive relationships, engage people who may be harder to reach and help them access appropriate treatment and support. You'll manage a caseload, develop personalised recovery plans and work with partner agencies to reduce harm and improve outcomes.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the community, supporting some of the most vulnerable people to access the help they need.

About You

We're looking for someone who is approachable, compassionate and confident engaging with people from different backgrounds. You'll be comfortable working independently in the community, building trust and developing positive relationships with people who may have complex needs.

You'll be organised, adaptable and able to manage your own caseload and diary while contributing to a supportive team.

Experience in substance misuse or homelessness services would be beneficial, but we're also interested in transferable skills and a willingness to learn.

What You'll Need

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, Working with Substance Misuse Award or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting people with complex needs.
• Experience delivering one-to-one and group interventions.
• An understanding of assessments, recovery planning and risk management.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary sector partners.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.

To view the full job description and person specification, CLICK HERE.

Come and Meet Us!

Join us at our recruitment open evening on Monday 23 November, 5pm–7pm at Plummer Court, Newcastle. Come along for an informal chat, find out more about our vacancies or get help with your application. Everyone is welcome!

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:

2026-11-27