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Substance Misuse Recovery Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Recovery Worker Location: Gosport and Covent. Working Hours: 37 hours per week Contract Type ... Understanding of Mental health and substance misuse recovery * Strong communication and time ...

New

Crisis Recovery Worker Location: Ealing Working Hours: Casual Hours Contract Type: Casual Salary: 3 ... Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

... substance misuse and the importance of recovery. * Provide relapse prevention strategies and ... Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer. * Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

... substance misuse and the importance of recovery. * Provide relapse prevention strategies and ... Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer. * Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.

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Substance Misuse Recovery Worker information

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How much do substance misuse recovery worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance misuse recovery worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance misuse recovery worker?

Substance Misuse Recovery Workers are professionals who support individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They work with clients to develop recovery plans, provide counseling, and connect them with appropriate treatment resources. Their role often involves offering emotional support, helping clients access housing or employment services, and working alongside healthcare providers to promote long-term recovery. Recovery workers play a vital part in empowering individuals to overcome addiction and improve their overall well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance misuse recovery worker?

To thrive as a Substance Misuse Recovery Worker, you generally need knowledge of addiction, health and social care qualifications (such as NVQ Level 3 or equivalent), and experience supporting vulnerable individuals. Familiarity with case management systems, safeguarding protocols, and motivational interviewing techniques is often required, along with relevant certifications in substance misuse or counseling. Excellent communication, empathy, and resilience are crucial soft skills to build trust and effectively support clients through recovery. These competencies enable workers to deliver tailored interventions, maintain client safety, and foster positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges substance misuse recovery workers face when supporting clients, and how can these be managed effectively?

Substance Misuse Recovery Workers often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to change, and complex co-occurring mental health issues. Building trust and maintaining open communication are vital in helping clients navigate setbacks. It’s important to use motivational interviewing techniques and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, such as healthcare providers and social services, to ensure comprehensive support. Regular supervision and continuous professional development also help Recovery Workers manage emotional demands and stay updated on best practices.

What is the difference between Substance Misuse Recovery Worker vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectSubstance Misuse Recovery WorkerSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or diploma in addiction supportRequires a certification or license in counseling or therapy
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, rehab centers, outreach programsClinics, private practices, hospitals
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, healthcare providersHealthcare facilities, private practices

Both roles focus on supporting individuals with substance issues, but Substance Misuse Recovery Workers often provide practical support and peer guidance, while Substance Abuse Counselors offer therapeutic interventions. The roles overlap in credentials and work settings, but differ in scope and depth of clinical treatment.

How to work in substance misuse recovery?

To work as a substance misuse recovery worker, you typically need relevant training or certification in addiction counseling or social work, along with strong communication and empathetic skills. The role involves providing support, education, and intervention to individuals struggling with substance use, often within healthcare or community settings. Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to professional standards are essential for effective practice.

What do substance misuse recovery workers do?

Substance misuse recovery workers support individuals recovering from addiction by providing counseling, education, and emotional support. They develop treatment plans, monitor progress, and connect clients with resources such as therapy or support groups, often working in clinical or community settings. Certification or training in addiction counseling is typically required for this role.
More about Substance Misuse Recovery Worker jobs

What job categories do people searching Substance Misuse Recovery Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Misuse Recovery Worker jobs are:

Infographic showing various Substance Misuse Recovery Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Recovery Worker

Location: Gosport and Covent.
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: 25,877.80 - 30,868.31per annum

Please note: You must hold a full UK driving lenience and have access to your own vehicle.

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we've created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job - it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

Are you someone who loves helping others find their strength again? Do you believe everyone deserves the chance to live a safer, healthier, more independent life?

If so, we'd love you to join Waythrough - one of the UK's leading mental health and social support charities - and be part of something truly life-changing.

Every year, we empower over 125,000 people across more than 200 services to overcome challenges related to mental health, housing, and substance use. Now, we're looking for someone special to join our Exeter team as a Recovery Worker and help us keep changing lives for the better.

About the Role

This isn't just a job - it's a chance to make a real impact.
As a Recovery Worker, you'll walk alongside people on their recovery journey - from their very first steps toward change, right through to rebuilding confidence and independence.

You'll offer motivation, guidance, and practical support to help people achieve their goals and rediscover hope. One day you might be leading a group session; the next, you're having a one-to-one conversation that makes someone feel seen and supported.

If you have experience in recovery support - or transferable skills from health, care, or community work - and you're passionate about making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Supporting people at every stage of their recovery journey
  • Delivering harm reduction, interventions, and structured treatment
  • Encouraging engagement in recovery programmes and goal setting
  • Working closely with colleagues and partner organisations
  • Championing safeguarding, inclusion, and empowerment

To Succeed in This Role, You'll Need:

  • Understanding of Mental health and substance misuse recovery
  • Strong communication and time management skills
  • Ability to plan your workload and deliver high-quality support
  • Knowledge of group dynamics and facilitation
  • A team player mindset with compassion and resilience.

To view the Job Description, please click here.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

  • 27 days' annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)

  • Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%

  • Life assurance (3 annual salary)

  • Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay

  • Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days' annual leave

  • Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications

  • 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme

  • Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals

  • 500 Recommend a Friend bonus

  • Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership

  • Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good

  • Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk

Closing Date:

2026-09-10