Specialist Support Worker – Psychosocial Programme

Closing on: Aug 24, 2025
Job Category: Health & Social Care Mental Health Support Substance Misuse Services
Job Location: Willow House & Shepton House – Reading

Reference: JUL20255159

Closing Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed

Midwest Services is recruiting on behalf of Willow House and Shepton House, two residential services providing temporary accommodation to homeless adults in central Reading. We are seeking a Specialist Support Worker with experience in psychosocial support and programme delivery to lead our therapeutic and life-skills services.

You will design and deliver structured group work and one-to-one sessions based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) principles, with a focus on harm reduction, substance misuse support, and mental health recovery. This role is essential in empowering clients to build confidence, life skills, and the tools they need to transition to independent living.

You will work closely with management, wider staff, and external partners as part of a trauma-informed, person-centred support team. This position also includes participation in the Manager’s on-call rota.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, and lead a structured psychosocial programme

  • Deliver CBT-based group work and life skills training to clients

  • Support individuals with substance misuse and mental health needs

  • Promote harm reduction, choice, empowerment, and sustainable change

  • Work closely with internal teams and external agencies to coordinate care

  • Use trauma-informed, compassionate approaches in all interactions

  • Maintain records, produce progress reports, and manage your caseload

  • Contribute to safeguarding and service improvement

  • Participate in the on-call manager rota

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Proven experience supporting vulnerable or homeless adults

  • Background in substance misuse support, mental health, or recovery services

  • Strong understanding of CBT principles and programme delivery

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Able to build therapeutic relationships and engage resistant clients

  • Knowledge of safeguarding, multi-agency working, and trauma-informed practice

  • Confident in using IT systems and completing administrative tasks

  • Experience developing and delivering training sessions

  • Passionate about helping people make lasting, positive change

  • Sympathetic to the aims and mission of The Salvation Army

Important Requirements:

  • This is a permanent full-time position (40 hours/week)

  • You must have the right to work in the UK – sponsorship is not available

  • Appointment subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced Adult DBS check

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience

  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)

  • Contributory pension scheme

  • Employee Assistance Programme

  • Ongoing training and professional development

How to Apply:
To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter to:

📧 hr@midwestservices.co.uk or info@midwestservices.co.uk

Your cover letter should briefly outline how your skills and experience align with the role’s criteria. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered.
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By applying, you consent to the secure storage and processing of your data by Midwest Services.

We promote equality in the workplace. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

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