Phoenix Futures, a leading charity with over 50 years of experience in drug and alcohol treatment, is hiring a Sessional Worker at its New Oakwood Lodge Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation center in Oakwood, Derby. This flexible, sessional role offers an opportunity to make a profound impact on individuals and communities through recovery-focused care. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the position, salary insights, certifications, and more.

Job Overview

• Employer: Phoenix Futures Group
• Location: Oakwood, Derby
• Salary: £12 per hour
• Employment Type: Sessional
• Schedule: Flexible shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and nights
• Start Date: Immediate
• Vacancies: Multiple positions

Key Focus: Supporting individuals through residential rehabilitation programs using the Therapeutic Community (TC) model.

Key Responsibilities

The Sessional Worker will assist in delivering high-quality therapeutic programs and daily support within the residential rehabilitation environment. Responsibilities include:

1. Therapeutic Support
   • Delivering group sessions, activities, and specialist interventions in line with the TC manual.
   • Encouraging individuals, families, and communities to embrace confidence in recovery.
2. Community and Care
   • Managing the day-to-day running of the therapeutic community.
   • Ensuring residents’ needs are met in a safe, recovery-focused environment.
3. Collaboration
   • Engaging effectively with multi-agency teams while maintaining the service’s reputation.
4. Innovation and Flexibility
   • Adapting to meet the diverse needs of residents and the community.

Qualifications and Skills

Phoenix Futures values dedication, compassion, and willingness to learn over specific qualifications. However, candidates should demonstrate:

Required Skills

• Understanding of complex issues in drug and alcohol recovery.
• Ability to innovate and adapt within the substance use sector or related fields.
• Knowledge of adult protection principles, essential when working with vulnerable adults.

Optional Certifications

While not compulsory, the following can enhance employability:

1. Level 3 Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness
   • Provides foundational knowledge in addiction recovery.
2. Counseling Skills Certification
   • Equips individuals to offer empathetic and supportive care.
3. First Aid and Safeguarding Training
   • Enhances safety and protection skills for vulnerable populations.

Salary Breakdown and Cost-of-Living in Derby

Hourly Wage

• Sessional Pay: £12/hour
• Weekly Income: £480 (based on 40 hours).

Tax Implications

• Income is subject to PAYE deductions, including National Insurance and Income Tax.
• Eligible for additional benefits, such as holiday pay, depending on hours worked.

Cost of Living in Derby

• Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom flat ranges from £500–£800/month.
• Transportation: Monthly bus passes cost approximately £60–£90.
• Groceries: Average monthly food expenses range from £200–£300.
• Utilities: Expect £100–£150/month for electricity, water, and heating.

Employer-Provided Benefits

Phoenix Futures is committed to employee well-being and career growth. Benefits include:

• Living Wage Foundation Accreditation: Guarantees fair pay above the minimum wage.
• Training and Development: Access to ongoing learning through the PXL learning management system.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 24/7 support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Purpose-Driven Work: The chance to contribute to transformative recovery journeys.

Tools, Software, and Technology

Sessional Workers may utilize the following tools to enhance their productivity and effectiveness:

• Care Management Software: Tracks resident progress and session outcomes.
• Communication Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams for team collaboration and scheduling.
• Assessment Tools: Instruments to measure the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Career Progression Opportunities

A Sessional Worker role provides a stepping stone to various career paths within Phoenix Futures and the broader substance misuse sector:

1. Full-Time Recovery Worker
   Transition to a permanent role with expanded responsibilities.
2. Therapeutic Program Manager
   Oversee the design and implementation of therapeutic programs.
3. Substance Misuse Counselor
   Specialize in providing targeted support to individuals in recovery.
4. Leadership Roles
   Advance to regional or national management positions within Phoenix Futures.

Relocation Tips for International Applicants

International workers considering this role can benefit from the following tips:

Housing Options

• Use short-term rental platforms like Airbnb for initial accommodation.
• Look for long-term housing through Rightmove or Zoopla for affordable Derby options.

Transportation

• Derby offers excellent public transport, including buses and regional trains.
• Consider purchasing a monthly bus pass for cost-effective commuting.

Community Resources

• Engage with local recovery support groups to build professional networks.
• Explore community centers offering recreational and wellness activities.

Emerging Trends in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

The field of addiction recovery is evolving to incorporate innovative practices:

1. Digital Recovery Platforms

• Virtual support groups and teletherapy are complementing traditional recovery methods.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans

• Data-driven insights allow for tailored rehabilitation programs.

3. Holistic Therapies

• Integration of mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy into recovery frameworks.

4. Community-Centered Models

• Increased focus on community-driven recovery to foster lasting change.

Best Health Insurance for Sessional Workers in the UK

Health insurance tailored to part-time and sessional roles is crucial for maintaining well-being and financial security.

Features of Ideal Health Insurance Plans

1. Flexible Coverage: Suitable for individuals working on a sessional basis with irregular hours.
2. Mental Health Support: Access to therapy and counseling services to address workplace stress.
3. Income Protection: Coverage for short-term and long-term disability.

Recommended Providers

• Aviva Health UK: Offers affordable plans with options for part-time workers.
• Bupa UK: Includes comprehensive mental health support and flexible premium structures.
• AXA Health: Specializes in plans that cater to healthcare workers, including sessional roles.

Top Certifications for Sessional Workers in Addiction Recovery

Although not mandatory, earning certifications can enhance your credibility and career growth potential in the substance misuse sector.

Recommended Certifications

1. Substance Misuse Awareness Certification
   • Provides foundational knowledge of addiction and recovery models.
2. Trauma-Informed Care Certification
   • Equips workers to address the trauma often underlying addiction.
3. Group Facilitation Skills Training
   • Helps professionals lead effective group therapy sessions.
4. Safeguarding Adults Certification
   • Essential for working with vulnerable populations in residential settings.

Benefits of Certification

• Strengthens your skill set and professional profile.
• Increases your ability to handle complex cases within therapeutic communities.

Salary Calculator for Sessional Workers in Derby

Understanding take-home pay is vital for financial planning, particularly for sessional roles with flexible hours.

Steps to Calculate Net Salary

• Input gross hourly wage: £12/hour.
• Estimate weekly income based on hours worked (e.g., £480 for 40 hours).
• Deduct PAYE taxes, National Insurance contributions, and pension (if applicable).

Recommended Tools

1. Reed Salary Calculator
   • Offers detailed breakdowns for hourly wages.
2. MoneySavingExpert Calculator
   • Highlights take-home pay based on UK tax brackets.

Cost-of-Living Comparison Between Derby and Nottingham

Relocating Sessional Workers may find it beneficial to compare living costs between nearby cities.

Housing

• Derby: One-bedroom flats range from £500–£800/month.
• Nottingham: Slightly higher at £600–£900/month.

Transportation

• Derby: Affordable bus passes at £60–£90/month.
• Nottingham: Comparable costs but with access to trams as well.

Utilities and Groceries

• Both cities have similar costs, with utilities averaging £100–£150/month and groceries around £200–£300.

Emerging Trends in Addiction Recovery Services

Innovations in addiction recovery are reshaping how services are delivered and received.

1. Virtual Rehabilitation Programs

• Remote sessions are gaining traction, providing greater access to recovery support.

2. AI-Driven Personalization

• Algorithms help tailor recovery plans based on individual needs and progress metrics.

3. Peer-Led Support Models

• Increasing reliance on individuals with lived experience to guide therapeutic communities.

4. Holistic Recovery Approaches

• Integration of mindfulness, yoga, and alternative therapies to complement traditional methods.

Conclusion

The Sessional Worker role at New Oakwood Lodge is an exceptional opportunity for compassionate individuals seeking to make a difference in the field of addiction recovery. With competitive pay, flexible shifts, and ongoing development opportunities, this position is ideal for those passionate about empowering others on their recovery journey.

Apply before February 8, 2025, to join Phoenix Futures in transforming lives. For more details or to submit your application, visit the official job posting. Let’s create lasting change together!

Before you apply

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• your bank details
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