Job Description

About us

Druglink is a Hertfordshire-based charity committed to changing futures by supporting people affected by problematic drug and alcohol use. We achieve this through substance use treatment, housing solutions, education and training. Our services include housing, detox and recovery support - providing safe, structured environments where people can rebuild their lives. Through our bed-based services and community support, we help individuals move towards independence, stability and lasting recovery.

About the role

As the Occupancy Manager at Druglink, you will oversee and coordinate all aspects of the client admissions process. Reporting to the Director of Care & Support, you will lead a team responsible for ensuring timely, compassionate, and compliant onboarding of clients seeking treatment for Substance misuse and Supported Housing accommodation. You will liaise with local and national referral partners and build professional working relationships. Your role is central to supporting individuals and families at a critical point in their recovery and housing journey and ensuring the charity maintains high standards of accessibility, efficiency, and professionalism.

The role and responsibilities

Team Leadership & Supervision

Provide daily leadership, supervision, and support to the admissions team.

Manage rotas, workloads, and performance appraisals. Ensure staff are well-trained in safeguarding, confidentiality, and trauma-informed care. Lead the admission coordinators to achieve admission targets and develops relationships with key colleagues to drive admissions numbers.

Admissions Coordination

Oversee the entire admissions process, from initial enquiry to intake.

Promote and monitor attendance and engagement in pre-admission. Ensure that timely and accurate completion of assessments, risk evaluations, and referral paperwork have been provided. Liaise with clinical & support staff to determine placement suitability based on assessment outcomes. Coordinates, schedules, and admission dates with care co-ordinators and referees Update Druglink's weekly bed allocation

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure all admissions processes comply with Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Care Inspectorate (CI) standards, GDPR, and internal policies. Monitor KPIs, waiting lists, conversion rates, and data accuracy in client management systems for internal and external use.

Stakeholder Reports

Build Weekly admission team reports to be presented to Director of Care & Support. Overall data collection reports from portal to be presented as and when required to Druglink services.

Partnership Working

Develop - Build strong working relationships with external referral agencies including statutory Drug and Alcohol teams, NHS services, local authorities, and referring practitioners. Represent the charity at external forums or admissions panels as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential:

1. NVQ Level 3 or above in Health and Social Care, Counselling, or a related field.

2. Training in trauma-informed care or motivational interviewing.

3. Understanding of the UK's substance misuse treatment landscape, including NHS commissioning and referral pathways.

4. Evidence of continual professional development.

Desirable:

1. Additional certification (e.g., IOSH, OSHA, First Aid, Fire Warden)

Employment Experience

Essential:

1. Proven leadership, line management or supervisory experience in a health or social care setting.

2. Experience working within addiction, mental health, or social care services.

3. Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment, and confidentiality.

4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate, non-judgemental approach.

5. Ability to manage high-pressure situations and support vulnerable individuals with complex needs.

6. Proficient in administrative systems and digital record-keeping (e.g., CRM, case management software).

Desirable:

1. Experience in a similar role within the charity or social care sector.

2. Experience liaising with regulatory bodies (CQC, Local Authorities Housing Departments Drug and Alcohol Teams, Criminal Justice Teams

3. Experience and knowledge of both adult & child protection practices.

4. Risk management and incident investigation procedures.

Personal Skills

5. A friendly and confident individual with a pro-active approach to their work.

6. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

7. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

8. Team player committed to Druglink's vision, mission, values and goals.

9. A flexible approach to working.

10. Good organisation, time management and multitasking skills with a focus on quality.

11. Willing to train and learn new skills.

12. Ability to write clear, concise reports and safety documentation.

13. Familiarity with safety management software and reporting tools.

Values and Attributes

Empathy, integrity and a strong commitment to client welfare and recovery. Organised and proactive with a solution-focused mindset. Leadership qualities that foster a positive, accountable team culture. Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Additional Information

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Clean driving licence. Car business insurance is required.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 33,956.00-35,675.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Substance Misuse: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person