Specialist Outreach Support Worker

Specialist Support Worker – Drug & Alcohol Service (DAS)
Working across Mid & North Essex | Supporting people to rebuild, recover, and thrive

Are you passionate about helping people navigate life’s toughest challenges? As a Specialist Support Worker in our Drug and Alcohol Service, you’ll be a lifeline for individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and complex needs. You’ll offer trauma-informed support, expert guidance, and a whole lot of heart—because everyone deserves a second chance.

This is a role where your specialist knowledge and compassion will truly shine. You’ll be part of a team that’s inclusive, customer-led, and always striving to do better—for our communities and for each other. You will be traveling across Mid & North Essex, so a UK driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.

What you’ll do

• Support people at risk of homelessness with tenancy sustainment, budgeting, and accessing training or education
• Provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues and customers around substance misuse and recovery
• Triage referrals, complete assessments, and manage your own caseload
• Run drop-ins across Essex, offering support, encouragement, and practical help
• Advocate fiercely for your customers and promote self-advocacy
• Collaborate with specialist agencies to get the best outcomes for those you support
• Help customers access mental health, drug and alcohol services, and other support networks

What you’ll need

• Experience supporting vulnerable people in housing, homelessness, or substance misuse services
• Strong knowledge of housing law, homelessness prevention, and welfare benefits
• Confidence engaging with people in crisis and chaotic situations
• Ability to create strength-based support plans and carry out assessments
• Excellent communication, IT, and record-keeping skills
• A proactive, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach
• Willingness to work flexibly, including outside normal office hours when needed
• A UK driving licence and access to your own car

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values:
Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.
We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options
• Up to 4% pension contribution matched by Peabody
• Access to a range of wellbeing and support services
• Paid volunteering days
• Discounts on retail, travel, and more

Please read before applying

This is a specialist role within our Drug and Alcohol Service (DAS), supporting people with complex needs across Essex. You’ll need to be confident working independently, managing a caseload, and collaborating with external partners.
You’ll also be expected to travel and work flexibly to meet customer needs.

If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you.
Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

A role where your support creates independence

Interviews will be held in person at the Colchester Octagon office on Wednesday 29th October 2025.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact George Murphy, Talent Specialist at
george.murphy@peabody.org.uk