Apprentice Trainee Drug and Alcohol Worker

About BDP:

Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) is a charity providing harm reduction and treatment services for people who are experiencing a negative relationship with drugs and/or alcohol. With 39 years of experience, our goal is to support people towards the changes they want to see in their lives no matter what they may be. On April 1st, 2025, the next evolution in BDP's history began as we embark in a new partnership that will be delivering drug and alcohol services in Bristol. Horizons is the name for a new partnership of different organisations that will be collaboratively providing services for people who use drugs and alcohol in Bristol. Horizons brings staff and expertise from each of the partner organisations together as a single team working together to provide the best possible services to the people of Bristol in a location close to them. All Horizons' services are free and confidential.

Purpose of the Role

We value lived experience and are looking for people who have experience of problematic drug or alcohol use and experience of using drug and alcohol services. You will also face significant barriers to employment, such as a criminal record, a lack of recent work history and qualifications.

During your 18 months with us, you will gain experience across in teams in the Horizons structure, including engagement and advice, structured treatment, outreach and recovery communities. Working with Weston College, you'll be supported to work towards and gain a Level 3 Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care Worker qualification as part of your training.

Being curious, non-judgmental, and having the ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills are essential. You'll also have a passion for promoting harm reduction and supporting others to make the positive changes they wish to see in their lives.

Principal Accountabilities

• Support the delivery of harm reduction interventions to potential and existing service users
• Provide information and signposting to people to people who may benefit from engagement with drug and alcohol services
• Work across multi-disciplinary teams across the service
• Keep accurate records of contacts and work activities
• Participate in briefings, meetings and regular supervisions
• Attend educational sessions and complete work assigned for the Level 3 qualification

Required Skills

You will need to have the following skills:

• Non-judgmental approach and welcoming
• Communication skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Patience
• Empathy for others
• Commitment to empowering service users
• A commitment to reducing harm caused by substance use to individuals, families and communities
• A profound belief in an individual's capacity for change and an ability to motivate others to change
• Capacity to handle responsibility and remain enthusiastic and motivated while working with people with complex needs.

Qualifications Required

• Weighting: Desired
• Qualification Type: GCSE
• Subject: English

• Grade: 4 and above (or Level 2 equiv)

• Weighting: Desired

• Qualification Type: GCSE
• Subject: maths
• Grade: 4 and above (or Level 2 equiv)

Special Notes

Training to be Provided

• 4-week induction
• Placements across the service for the first 12 months 1-3 months each
• Last 6 months to be spent in the team of trainee's choice, (capacity depending).
• 1 day a week to attend college and complete assigned course work

What we offer:

• 27 days annual leave yearly which increases by 1 day every year to a maximum of 32 days after 5 of service PLUS bank holidays
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Thorough line management and reflective practice programme
• Extensive and ongoing training

How to apply

To apply for this job please visit Apprentice Trainee Drug and Alcohol Worker – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK

Please refer to the person specification available within the job description when completing your application.

Questions:

If you would like an informal chat about this role, please contact Liz Gaskin on or

If you have questions regarding the application process or need some support in completing your application, please email or call and ask for recruitment.

Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: £23,809.50 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person