Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner

Some women arrive at refuge having survived more than anyone should have to.

• Domestic abuse.
• Homelessness.
• Mental ill health.
• Substance dependency.
• Trauma layered on trauma.

 

At Change Grow Live, we believe recovery is possible for everyone.

Guided by our values—Be open, be compassionate and be bold—we work alongside people facing some of the most complex challenges, creating spaces where healing, recovery and long-term change can happen.

We are now looking for a Substance Misuse Specialist Practitioner to join a pioneering Multiple Compound Needs (MCN) Multi-Disciplinary Team across East Sussex.

This is not a traditional substance misuse role.

You’ll work as part of a specialist multi-disciplinary team supporting women living within refuge and safe accommodation services who are experiencing multiple compound needs—including domestic abuse, mental health challenges, homelessness, offending behaviour and substance dependency.

This is deeply relational, trauma-informed work where flexibility, compassion and professional curiosity matter just as much as experience.

You won’t simply deliver interventions.You’ll help women rediscover safety, stability, confidence and control over their lives.

 

We’re looking for someone who combines professional skill with empathy, resilience and emotional intelligence.

You will bring:

• Experience working within substance misuse services
• Knowledge and experience supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse
• Understanding of multiple compound needs, trauma and co-occurring mental health challenges
• Confidence working in partnership across multiple agencies and systems
• The ability to remain calm, adaptable and compassionate in complex situations
• A genuinely trauma-informed and non-judgemental approach

Most importantly, you’ll believe that even in the most difficult circumstances, change is possible.

• Location: East Sussex (working across multiple refuge and safe accommodation locations)
• Full Time Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Contract: 12 months Fixed Term Contract

Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and business insurance, as this role requires travel across various locations.

 

Please note: Salary is subject to review in line with the 2025/26 pay award.

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

 

• →Support women from entry into refuge and safe accommodation through their treatment and recovery journey
• →Deliver specialist substance misuse support, including assessment, recovery planning and onward referral
• →Provide one-to-one support and group interventions within refuge settings
• →Work collaboratively with mental health, social care, housing, domestic abuse and health partners
• →Support access to prescribing and specialist treatment services
• →Act as lead professional for individuals where appropriate, coordinating multi-agency support
• →Advocate for women navigating complex systems and services
• →Help individuals build resilience, recovery capital and long-term independence
• →May include the need to work some evenings and weekends to meet the needs of individuals living in the refuge/ safe accommodation.

• You’ll work within a multi-disciplinary trauma-informed team, alongside specialists from mental health, health, social care, domestic abuse and lived experience services
• You’ll support women who are often excluded from or unable to access mainstream systems
• You’ll have the opportunity to shape a service that is actively working to remove barriers and create systems change
• You’ll work in environments where your ability to build trust and respond flexibly will directly influence outcomes

This is meaningful work that stays with you.

We are building services that are:

• Trauma-informed and person-centred
• Rooted in compassion and partnership
• Focused on breaking down barriers for people facing multiple disadvantage
• Designed to create meaningful, long-term recovery and safety

Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and business insurance, as this role requires travel across various locations.

 

 

If you’re ready to be part of a team delivering truly life-changing support to women facing multiple disadvantage, we’d love to hear from you.

 

 

 

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

8/6/2026

2/6/2026

Parice Vandenbussche | Parice.vandenbussche@cgl.org.uk | 07786531452

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.