Job Description

Residential Recovery Support Worker (Female Only)

The Nelson Trust is a charity dedicated to supporting people affected by addiction and trauma to build safer, more stable futures. Within our residential women’s service in Stroud, we offer trauma-informed care in a structured, supportive environment where recovery can begin and lives can be rebuilt.

Our approach is shaped by years of experience and colleagues with lived experience, creating a culture grounded in empathy and real insight. This allows us to deliver care that not only addresses practical needs but supports lasting change.

We are looking for a Recovery Support Worker to join our team, supporting those going through residential addiction treatment with compassion, consistency and respect.

What does that look like day to day?

Supporting recovery means being there in practical and meaningful ways, through aspects such as:

• Supporting everyday needs - recognising recovery is not just about overcoming addiction, but building stability through safe housing, financial security and good health
• Encouraging engagement in the treatment programme and helping clients stay connected to their recovery journey
• Welcoming new arrivals with warmth and clarity, supporting them to settle in and begin treatment, including medication processes
• Maintaining clear, supportive boundaries by keeping care plans and records up to date and helping clients understand expectations
• Helping to create a safe, respectful and well-run environment that meets CQC standards

What you’ll bring to the role

Working alongside people as they navigate recovery requires empathy and a strong sense of professional care. We are looking for someone who brings both the right experience and the right approach:

• A full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel
• The ability to build trusting, respectful relationships while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries
• Understanding of residential addiction treatment or CQC-regulated environments
• Awareness of safeguarding, with a commitment to keeping clients safe and responding appropriately to concerns
• Openness to learning and developing, whether in medication processes, first aid or formal qualifications

What our clients need most

• A calm, steady approach, offering reassurance and thoughtful responses in situations that can feel challenging or emotional
• A non-judgemental outlook, with a genuine belief in each person’s capacity for change and recovery

How we support you

We recognise the resilience this role requires, which is why we are committed to supporting you as much as you support our clients.

• Salary: £27,000 – £28,500 per annum
• Hours: 37.5 per week (will include some weekends and bank holidays)
• Holidays: 25 days plus public holidays
• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Investment in your development through training, supervision and career development pathways
• Access to wellbeing and employee assistance support
• Death in service benefit (2x salary)
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Eye care scheme

This role will close once a suitable candidate has been appointed. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Please note, this position is restricted to female applicants only due to the nature of the work carried out in our Women’s Centres in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).

If you are committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of our clients and have a flexible approach to work, we would love to hear from you. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery.

We have become known for the quality of our work and ability to provide bespoke care and support services. While we are proud of our achievements so far, we are ambitious and want to continue to grow and diversify our workforce.

We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, perspectives and experiences and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from individuals across all sectors of society.

This is an opportunity for new, challenging and highly rewarding experiences. Our staff make a real difference to people’s lives and in return for your commitment and enthusiasm, we offer a comprehensive training and development programme a generous pension scheme and a positive working environment.