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Please note CV's will not be accepted, an application form can be found here -
https://tinyurl.com/EACHA-ApplicationForm
This must be emailed to info@eacha.org.uk by the 31st December 2025
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Organisation Overview
East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHa) is an ecumenical and registered Scottish charity of over 20 years dedicated to tackling homelessness, poverty, addiction, and social exclusion. Rooted in values of compassion, dignity, inclusion, and justice, we unite churches, faith groups, community members, professionals and those with lived and living experience in a shared mission - to support those facing complex life challenges.
We are currently delivering a pioneering One Stop Shop model in the heart of Kilmarnock — a holistic, trauma-informed service hub that integrates recovery, crisis response, harm reduction, peer support, digital inclusion, and access to practical essentials, all under one welcoming roof. Our model removes traditional barriers to support by creating a space where individuals can drop in, be heard without judgment, and receive the care, connection, and consistency they need to begin or sustain their recovery journey.
This approach recognises that no single service can meet every need in isolation. By blending professional expertise with lived experience and co-produced solutions, our One Stop Shop brings together people, services, and opportunities in a way that is truly person-led. It is a bold reimagining of how recovery, inclusion, and community resilience can be built from the ground up.
Through partnership, innovation, and a firm belief in the potential of every individual, EACHa is working to create a more connected, compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
Role Overview
The Crisis Worker will be a key frontline responder, providing immediate intervention, harm reduction support, and crisis de-escalation for individuals experiencing acute distress. This includes individuals at risk of overdose, rough sleeping, or suicide, and those in urgent need of mental health or housing support.
A core part of the role is the delivery of harm reduction interventions, including the distribution of Naloxone, drug testing kits, and other essential supplies. The postholder will promote safe practice, reduce risk, and advocate for access to treatment in line with Scotland’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards and the Charter of Rights.
Key Responsibilities
Crisis Response & Harm Reduction
- Deliver frontline crisis intervention and support for individuals in distress due to addiction, mental health, homelessness, or trauma.
- Provide harm reduction resources, including Naloxone, drug testing kits, wound care supplies, and information on safer use.
- Offer brief interventions and advice on overdose prevention, safer injecting, MAT access, and local recovery services.
- Carry out on-the-spot risk assessments and safety planning (e.g. suicide prevention, emergency shelter needs).
- Reduce the risk of hospitalisation, arrest, or harm by acting as a first point of compassionate support.
Referrals & Advocacy
- Connect individuals to appropriate services including NHS crisis teams, MAT providers, housing officers, benefits advisors, and addiction recovery support.
- Advocate for the rights of individuals seeking access to Medication-Assisted Treatment in line with national standards.
- Support people to navigate complex systems and attend key appointments during early recovery or crisis.
Outreach & System Navigation
- Conduct targeted outreach to individuals at risk, including rough sleepers, those recently discharged from prison or hospital, and people disengaged from treatment.
- Work in partnership with local emergency services, addiction teams, housing providers, and food networks to coordinate holistic support.
- Actively contribute to our food, clothing, and practical needs services within the Drop-In and wider outreach activity.
Recording & Partnership Work
- Maintain accurate records of interventions, referrals, and harm reduction distributions.
- Provide updates and insights that support reporting, evaluation, and service development.
- Build strong partnerships with statutory and third-sector organisations to reduce duplication and improve crisis response.
Essential Criteria
- Must be a minimum of 12 months clear of problematic alcohol use and/or illicit or non-prescribed drug use
- Proven experience working with individuals in crisis, particularly in areas of addiction, homelessness, mental health, or emergency response
- understanding of harm reduction principles and confidence in delivering harm reduction resources (e.g. Naloxone, safer use advice)
- Knowledge of Scotland’s MAT Standards and commitment to the principles of the Charter of Rights
- Experience in risk assessment, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed practice
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and de-escalate emotionally charged situations
- Clear commitment to equality, inclusion, and person-centred care
- PVG Scheme membership and satisfactory disclosure
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings/weekends as required
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant training or qualifications (e.g. SVQ 3 Health and Social Care, or working towards, etc.)
- Naloxone and drug testing kit training certification (can be provided if not held)
- Knowledge of local East Ayrshire services, including housing, justice, and addiction support
- Personal or lived experience of recovery, homelessness, or mental health challenges (optional disclosure)
Opportunities & Impact
As a Crisis Worker, you’ll be the first line of safety and support for individuals facing life-threatening situations — from overdose risk and suicidal distress to housing emergencies and acute mental health episodes. Your timely, compassionate response will play a critical role in preventing harm, reducing trauma, and offering people the stability they need to take their next step toward recovery.
This is more than a frontline role — it’s a chance to shape how crisis support is delivered in East Ayrshire. You’ll help build safer, more inclusive crisis pathways by working closely with services, advocating for those in distress, and influencing how systems respond to vulnerability. You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team that puts dignity, choice, and recovery at the heart of everything we do.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person