SMMILES Project Worker

• Job Title
• SMMILES (Substance Misuse & Mental Illness: Lived Experience Support) Project Worker
• Grade / Pay scale - From £26,228
• Location - Cumbria
• Hours - 37.5 hours per week
• Accountable To - SMMILES Team Leader
• Contract - Fixed Term September 2027
• DBS Requirement - Enhanced level
• Overview

The Well Communities is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, led by people in recovery from substance misuse. Our aim is to build networks, connections and activities that will help to address many of the problems that drive substance misuse and the offending behaviours that result.

You will be someone who shares our belief in the inherent capacity and potential of people to bring about positive change; for themselves and the communities in which they live. We believe that everyone has the potential to grow, learn and achieve, whatever the barriers are that they have faced. We know it takes courage and hard work to change, which is why we have a commitment statement as well as a mission statement. Being committed means being:

Safety: Creating an environment of safety in everything we do, providing the foundation for recovery and wellbeing.

Integrity: Acting with transparency and honesty to build trust and strong relationships.

Resilience: Recognising recovery as a journey that requires strength and perseverance, and fostering resilience in staff, those we work with, and the wider recovery community.

Empowerment: Supporting people to choose their own path in recovery, promoting autonomy and collaboration in finding solutions.

Love: Working with compassion, ensuring people feel valued and supported, and extending care until they can love themselves.

Role Overview

To support the wider team in the delivery of effective and immediate responses to minimise harm and reduce relapse whilst encouraging individuals to engage with a recovery plan covering all aspects of their life.

This fast-paced role is focused on transforming people’s lives; you will, through an understanding and skilful use of the Decision Making Cycle, move individuals from “unaware” to a tailormade, co-owned support programme that delivers holistic recovery.

As a lived experience colleague, you will inspire and provide hope to individuals engaging with the project.

You will have a specific remit to work with communities in an asset-based manner.

You will work with partner agencies, e.g. Community Mental Health Team, Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team (CRHT) and other community organisations, to identify individuals that have co-existing Substance Misuse and Mental Health issues and, through assertive support, create a person-centric support programme.

You will influence individuals and communities to make healthier lifestyle choices, develop self-care and management skills and build an individual’s recovery capital to become more resilient and self-sufficient.

Key Responsibilities

• Recognise personal and professional boundaries and work within agreed policies at all times
• Present a professional image and actively promote services to service users, other stakeholders, partnership organisations and the general public
• Uphold data protection legislation and only share client information as per policy, local and formally agreed information sharing protocols and client confidentiality agreements
• Maintain effective partnerships with service users, other agencies and health care professionals to help clients reduce identified physical/mental health risks
• Work flexibly across operational sites as required
• Work flexibly within an agreed number of hours of work to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision
• Seek to improve personal performance, contribution, knowledge and skills through the participation of appraisal, training and supervision processes
• Keep abreast of developments in services, legislation and practice relevant to the relevant client group
• Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment and ensure the implementation of all relevant policies and procedures for The Well Communities CIC
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post

Person Specification

Essential – Values

• Commitment to peer‑led, community-based recovery
• Solution‑focused, reflective, honest, collaborative, brave, and resilient
• Compassionate and able to inspire confidence in others

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience working with individuals affected by substance use, including high‑risk or dependent ketamine use
• Experience supporting families or carers affected by substance use
• Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and relapse prevention
• Technical/ Professional Qualifications
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or above or equivalent) or willingness to complete a Level 3 qualification with 2 years or more of relevant experience. Desirable

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook Office programmes Essential

Knowledge/Previous Experience

• Experience of service delivery to hard to reach groups with multiple complex need Essential
• Experience of using motivational and brief solution focused techniques effectively Essential
• Knowledge and experience of the facilitation of training and workshops or group work Essential
• Knowledge and experience of mental health interventions Essential
• Understanding of harm reduction principles and practice in the substance use field and experience of delivering harm reduction interventions Desirable
• Experience of providing advice and information on safer injecting techniques to a range of substance misusers, in varying environments Desirable
• Ability to demonstrate excellent and up to date knowledge of harm reduction issues relevant to opiate, simulants, alcohol and psychoactive substance users. Desirable
• Knowledge and understanding of transmission of blood borne viruses and treatment options available Desirable

Competencies

• Lead and inspire: Defines the future direction of The Well through identifying current and future challenges and longer-term opportunities
• Create and Innovate: Takes a solutions-focused approach to the challenges we face as organisations. Looks at new ways of working and responding innovatively with new ideas or developing current approaches to meet organisational needs.
• Developing our talent: Creates a positive and supportive environment in which individuals can grow and develop enabling them to realise their full potential.
• Impactful communication: Shares information and presents ideas of themes clearly and convincingly so that others see us as open, transparent and credible and want to engage with us.
• Delivering results and achieving greatness: Focuses on our individual drive and personal focus to succeed in delivering against our key business objectives and targets
• Service excellence: Continues to build on The Well’s reputation within the industry becoming a ‘provider of choice’ recognised by external bodies a meeting the diverse needs of our customers and delivering the highest standards of service delivery.
• Working together: Defines how we work with each other and our customers, partners, commissioners and stakeholders.
• This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.
• Amendments: This description accurately reflects the present position; it may be amended and reviewed. Any change will be made following a proper period of consultation.

Terms

• Annual leave: 25 days plus public holidays
• Full-time post: evening, weekend, and bank holiday work will be required

Equality and Diversity

The Well Communities CIC is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We make every effort to meet access needs and will collaborate with individuals to identify reasonable adjustments.

Additional Notes

This job description reflects the current role but may be reviewed and amended following appropriate consultation as the service evolves.

To Apply

Please send your expressions of interest/CV to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk

All applications should be clearly marked:

• Confidential – SMMILES Project Worker
• To arrive no later than 5pm on 18 September 2026
• For More information please speak to Paul Sloan – Psloan@thewell2.co.uk or Debra Dilks – DDilks@thewell2.co.uk
• Pay: £26,228.00 per year
• Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carlisle CA2 5XB