Archive

What is the aim of your job?

Basically to key work young people into abstinence from substance misuse. It's also to build their self-esteem and in a way to give them another direction. Some young people start smoking cannabis because they have such low self-esteem and want to fit in with their mates. Someone like me talks to them about the medical side of drugs and the health risks.

What is an average day like?

On a good day I probably have three clients to see. There is a lot of travelling and working on building relationships with other agencies. On a typical day I see clients, contact other agencies, tell them what we are doing and ask for help on things I'm not qualified to deal with.

Police, social services, Connexions, pupil referral units, other drug agencies, anyone working with young people.

What's the best part of your job?

Working with young people. It keeps you young and every day is different. The best part is when you have discharged a client and you know they have succeeded. You might walk down the street one day and recognise them - they are wearing a shirt and tie - and you stop and ask them what they are doing and maybe you had some part in that.

What is the worst part?

When you have to get social services involved if it is a child protection case - that's horrible because you are having to break their confidence. It doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen and that's the worst.

What is your work background?

Before coming here I worked with young offenders, then with young drug users through the youth awareness programme in Thamesmead.

I've got an NVQ level 2/3 in health and social care, and I've done courses on drugs.

What qualities do you require?

You have to be able to treat each of your clients as an equal and also as an individual. You have to be able to gain their respect and trust.

How much do you earn?

About £20,000.

Any advice for those interested in this line of work?

You've got to be prepared to do the job for free. It's got to be something you feel passionate about. I'd do it for nothing.

If you would like to be featured in Just the Job, e-mail us at zero2nineteen@rbi.co.uk, or call 020 8652 4862