Substance Use Support Officer

Salary range: Grade 9 (£42,060 - £43,680p.a.) plus fantastic benefits
Contract:  Fixed Term - 3 Years
Hours of work: 36 hours per week 
Location: Croydon

Substance Use Support Officer

About the role

Croydon Housing is looking for a committed and resident focused Substance Misuse Worker to provide targeted support to residents experiencing substance misuse and wider complex needs.

The role works with residents who may be affected by drug and alcohol dependency, homelessness, tenancy instability, mental health issues or safeguarding concerns. You will provide structured support and practical interventions to help residents sustain accommodation, engage with services and improve wellbeing and independence.

You will work closely with Housing teams, health professionals, treatment providers and partner agencies to coordinate support and manage risk effectively. This is a frontline role requiring strong communication skills, resilience and the ability to build positive relationships with residents who may have multiple and complex needs.

What you will be doing

As a Substance Use Support Officer, you will:

• Manage a caseload of residents with substance misuse and complex support needs
• Complete assessments, support plans and risk assessments
• Support residents to engage with drug and alcohol treatment services, healthcare and wider support agencies
• Work with residents to sustain accommodation and reduce tenancy related risk
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and risk issues
• Work collaboratively with Housing, Adult Social Care, health services and external agencies
• Maintain accurate case records and support monitoring and reporting requirements
• Support residents to improve independence, wellbeing and access to longer-term support where appropriate
• Contribute to tenancy sustainment, harm reduction and wider support outcomes across Housing services

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with experience supporting vulnerable residents and working within a support, housing or substance misuse environment.

You will need:

• Experience working with individuals affected by substance misuse or complex needs
• Understanding of harm reduction, safeguarding and recovery-focused approaches
• Experience managing a caseload and delivering structured support
• Ability to build positive relationships and engage residents effectively
• Strong communication and partnership working skills
• Ability to manage challenging situations professionally and calmly
• Good organisational, record keeping and IT skills
• A compassionate, resilient and solution focused approach

Why join Croydon Housing

Croydon Housing is committed to supporting vulnerable residents and improving tenancy sustainment and wellbeing outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to work directly with residents, build strong multi-agency relationships and contribute to a key frontline support service helping residents maintain stable accommodation and improve their quality of life.

Our benefits include: 

• Inclusive Culture: Join a team that values diversity and is committed to creating a supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. 
• Career Development: We invest in our staff and support their development. 
• Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%, up to 31 days of annual leave (eligibility criteria apply) in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more, a commitment to your well-being and work-life balance with access to the confidential and free Employee Assistance Programme 24/7. 
• Family Friendly provisions: Generous maternity leave and family leave provisions 
• Work Life Balance: Options for flexible and agile working options in line with service demand 
• Make a Difference: Be part of a council that is dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through effective and compassionate housing management. At Croydon relationships matter and we are about strong partnerships and working together to make lasting positive change. 

View our full range of Staff Benefits - Croydon Jobs Careers 

Application closing date: 22^nd June 2026  

Interviews:  Week Commencing 29^th June 2026