Social care

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

College

You could do a part time college course to give you an understanding of substance misuse.

You could do a level 1 or 2 award in substance misuse awareness or a level 3 certificate in tackling substance misuse.

Apprenticeship

You could do a peer worker advanced apprenticeship or an early intervention practitioner higher apprenticeship.

You could also do an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship to get some of the skills and knowledge you need to become a substance misuse outreach worker.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

You could volunteer with a drug, alcohol or housing charity to build skills and get work experience.

You could also volunteer with a substance misuse organisation. You can find contact details for an organisation near you from Frank.

Direct application

You could apply directly to an employer.

You'll need a good understanding of the issues people with substance misuse problems might face. You might also need experience in criminal justice, social care, youth work or counselling.

You could also apply if you have personal experience of addiction or dependency. Applications are usually welcome from people who have successfully come through treatment.

More information

You can find out more about becoming a substance misuse outreach worker from Alcohol Change UK and With You.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you couldbecome a senior recover worker, volunteer co-ordinator or project team leader.

You could also specialise in working with a particular group like young people.

You can find out more about becoming a substance misuse outreach worker from Alcohol Change UK and Addaction.