At The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS), we deeply value the breadth of skills and knowledge brought by having a mix of professionals coming together in our multi disciplinary teams. One of these professions is Social Work and as one of the largest employers of social workers in the substance misuse sector, we recognise the critical role they play in supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery. To further acknowledge their contributions and commitment, we are proud to announce a new range of recognition benefits that support their professional development and position ADS as an employer of choice in the sector.

Our Social Work Workforce: Expertise and Leadership
Approximately 25% of ADS’s workforce are qualified Social Workers, working at all levels under the leadership of Principal Social Worker, Kirsty Young. Kirsty ensures best social work practice across the organisation by providing access to continuous professional development (CPD), quality supervision, governance, and maintaining a strong regional and national network.

Our social workers are actively involved in delivering academic learning, university admissions, student placements, and apprenticeship programmes. To support this, many ads social workers are also trained as practice educators to enable the best level of support to be provided to Social Workers in training.

Leading the Way in Social Work Recognition
We are pleased to introduce a support package that recognises social workers who support colleagues and aspiring social workers: :

• The ADS covers the annual renewal fees for Social Work England registration.
• Payment for Practice Education Services
  We value the vital role of practice educators and recognise their essential contribution to supporting the profession’s future.
• Payment for Assessor and Mentor Roles
  Experienced social workers who guide Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) through the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme and those who mentor participants in our social work apprenticeship programme, will now be recognised for their assessor and mentor roles.

Multiple Routes into Social Work: Placements and Apprenticeships
The ADS offers two established pathways into social work:

Placements: We provide high-quality first and second placements to BA and MA social work students from local universities. Our curriculum aligns with the Professional Capabilities Framework and post-qualifying standards, ensuring students gain broad and relevant experience.

“Seeing their recovery journey and helping to make it work is amazing. Also, there is so much variety, we work with many different individuals who all have their own care-plan needs. Our service is very person-centred so each day is different, I can be working with individuals, family members or vulnerable adults. I get so much satisfaction, seeing a person come out of the other side of their substance misuse.”
— Lisa Ward, Social Worker at The ADS, Read Lisa’s story

Apprenticeships: Our apprenticeship programme allows candidates to work at their current grade while attending formal academic teaching weekly, applying learning directly to practice.

“I worked with a couple who had been homeless for many years, using heroin and crack. It took two years of support and coaching, but now they are stable, living in their own property, and considering volunteering opportunities.” — Kate, Social Work Apprentice, Read Kate’s success story

Supporting Recruitment, Retention, and Wellbeing
These enhanced benefits reflect a commitment to social workers and put ADS at the forefront of the sector as an employer. The ADS culture is an environment where social workers feel valued and supported.

Alongside these benefits, we offer comprehensive training, career development opportunities, workshops and conferences further enhancing employee satisfaction.

Newly qualified social workers can progress onto our ASYE programme, with ongoing support for continuous development, including opportunities to achieve the Practice Education qualification.

“Recovery is an area where I know I am really helping people to make positive change and to move on with their lives. Seeing the physical and emotional change in people is so rewarding and transformational.” — Paul Martindale, Senior Social Worker, IPEDs Read Paul’s story

Proud to Support Our Social Work Teams
The ADS is incredibly proud of our social workers and grateful for their dedication. These new benefits are a testament to our ongoing commitment to support, recognise, and develop the skilled professionals who make a real difference every day.

For more information about our social work roles, benefits, and career pathways, please visit: ADS Benefits Website