Jobs

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing hoarding and self-neglect behaviours?
 
As an Agile Recovery Worker within our specialist Support & Recovery Breakthrough Team, you will provide intensive, trauma-informed support to adults across County Durham, helping them achieve positive outcomes, improve their wellbeing, and work towards a safer and more independent future. Working alongside a range of professionals, you will deliver person-centred support tailored to individual needs.

This role is temporary for 12 months (37 hours p/w).
 
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As a Recovery Worker, you will work directly with individuals in their own homes, supporting people experiencing hoarding and self-neglect behaviours to make positive and lasting changes. This rewarding role requires resilience, professionalism, and a compassionate, person-centred approach.

You will build trusted relationships and provide both practical and emotional support, helping individuals create safer and more manageable living environments. This may include assisting with the organisation, sorting, moving, and, where agreed, removal of belongings as part of an individual support plan.
 
The role may involve working alongside a colleague on a 2:1 basis, depending on assessed needs and risks, and some physical activity such as lifting, carrying, and moving items safely. Full training, PPE, equipment, and support will be provided, with access to a service vehicle where required.
 
You will maintain accurate records, work closely with colleagues and partner agencies, and manage your workload flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the people we support. Hours are worked flexibly Monday to Friday.
 
You'll benefit from strong management support and opportunities for ongoing training and development.
 
If you would like an informal discussion about this post, please contact:
Joanne Roche, Operations Supervisor Mobile - 07795020098, Tel – 03000269071 or via email joanne.roche@durham.gov.uk
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?

• 5 GCSE’s Grade A* - C or 9 – 4 or equivalent or
• Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with adults.
 
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 20th August 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 7 - £30,024 – £33,699 per annum (Pay award pending).

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant