Explore work as substance misuse worker. This page gives a simple overview of the occupation, useful skills, map context and ways to continue in Job Explorer.
Substance misuse worker work is about supporting people affected by harmful use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. The role combines counselling, progress monitoring, advocacy, crisis intervention, group work and practical support around related social problems.
In job descriptions, look for addiction support, assessment, care plans, harm reduction, group therapy, crisis response, safeguarding, mental health links, case notes, outreach and cooperation with health, housing or social services.
Substance misuse workers support people whose alcohol, tobacco or drug use is harming health, safety, housing, family life or employment. Work can include initial conversations, needs assessment, care planning, counselling, crisis response, group sessions, advocacy and careful case notes.
Useful skills include active listening, risk assessment, addiction support, motivational conversations, group facilitation, crisis intervention, safeguarding, harm reduction and cooperation with health, housing, justice or social services. Some roles focus on outreach, young people, families, mental health or recovery programmes.
Salary context depends on case complexity, shift pattern, crisis responsibility, outreach work, supervision duties and whether the post sits in social care, healthcare, voluntary services or residential support. Roles with high-risk cases and multi-agency coordination usually carry wider responsibility.
Career paths can move toward senior practitioner, addiction counsellor, case coordinator, recovery programme lead, safeguarding role, social work qualification route or service management. Experience with safe documentation, crisis decisions and sustained client engagement supports progression.
Read adverts for the client group and service model. Check whether the work involves assessment, counselling, group therapy, home or street outreach, mental health liaison, safeguarding, court or housing contact, relapse prevention and records after each intervention.
This guide is editorial occupation context. It is not official labour-market statistics or salary data for this exact occupation.
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— Jobs total — Countries with jobs
social worker (2635.3)
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/d6bffef4-f09a-4711-9ecb-92ec04353b21 |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 2635.3.24 |
| ISCO group | 2635 |
| Concept type | Occupation |