I AM AN EX SERVICE USER
I want to work in the sector!
There are individuals who have been through the treatment system and are now working within the drugs and alcohol field. See Lesley's profile.
If, like Lesley, you want a career in the Substance Misuse Sector, follow the steps below:
1. Volunteering
Volunteering in your spare time will help you to get some essential skills and experience. Even a few hours a week will look great on your CV. Check out the volunteering / work experience page for more information.
2. User groups
There are many local user support groups that have been set up to allow you to participate in discussions about treatment services in your area and other general issues. Contact your local Drug Action Team and ask them when and where you can get involved.
3. Work experience
By work shadowing someone who already works in the field, you can observe exactly what their job involves and pick up some knowledge along the way.
You may be able to arrange a work experience day or even a short placement. Contact your local Drug Action Team or contact the organisations on the jobs page
4. Progress to Work (p2w), Job Centre Plus
This scheme was developed to get those recovering from substance misuse back into work:
'P2W provides support for customers who have made sufficient progress in their recovery to be drug free or stabilised, but their history of drug misuse is likely to be a significant factor in preventing them from getting or keeping work.'
Contact your local Job Centre Plus office for more information.
Skills
To learn more about skills, for general advice relating to skills and where to get help, see the Learning Skills Council (LSC) website.
Financial Support
If you want training and you are worried about funding issues, there may be help available to you. Check the LSC web page for more information.
Competencies
The Substance Misuse Sector uses a competency-based approach to recruitment. This means that you will have to show evidence that you have the skills to take on a job within the drugs and alcohol field.
You may have picked up skills from a previous job role, your education or from personal experience. Whatever your skills, if you can show that they are transferable during a job interview, you may land your dream job!
Why do I need to know about competencies?
It is very important that you familiarise yourself with the term 'competency'. Most organisations will use competencies throughout their recruitment process. You will need to know what they are and how you can use them when applying for jobs and when you attend interviews.
See the Competencies and DANOS pages for more information.
Good luck!