How to Write a Strong CV for a Recovery Worker Position

Recovery workers provide vital support and guidance to those struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and life’s challenging transitions. As such, employers look for candidates who bring empathy, patience, resilience, and a well-rounded understanding of the field. Here’s how to make your CV stand out and showcase the qualities needed to thrive in this role.

1. Start with a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement, or CV summary, is the first thing a potential employer will read, so it’s essential to make it compelling and tailored to the recovery worker role. This section should be a brief overview of your background, skills, and passion for supporting others on their recovery journeys. It’s not just about listing credentials; it’s about showing a genuine commitment to the work.

Example:

“Compassionate and dedicated recovery worker with over five years of experience in supporting individuals through addiction and mental health challenges. Skilled in creating supportive, non-judgmental environments and utilising evidence-based approaches to foster resilience and growth. Driven by a passion for helping clients achieve sustainable recovery and improved quality of life.”

Aim for around three to four lines that highlight your experience, skills, and dedication.

2. Emphasise Relevant Work Experience

For a recovery worker role, your work experience should focus on positions where you directly supported individuals or communities, particularly those dealing with addiction, mental health, or social challenges. For each role, start with the job title, employer, and dates of employment, followed by a list of your responsibilities and achievements.

Examples of Relevant Experience:

• Supporting clients with substance abuse disorders or mental health challenges.
• Conducting one-on-one or group counselling sessions.
• Collaborating with other healthcare or social service professionals.
• Developing personalised recovery plans or goals.
• Managing crises and de-escalating tense situations.

Use bullet points to keep it concise and focused on relevant responsibilities and accomplishments. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as success rates, client satisfaction scores, or program participation improvements.

3. Showcase Key Skills

The skills section is crucial for showing you have the core competencies that recovery worker roles demand. Focus on both soft and hard skills relevant to the position, such as:

Soft Skills:‍

• Empathy and active listening.
• Patience and resilience.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Problem-solving and adaptability.

Hard Skills:

• Knowledge of addiction and mental health principles.
• Familiarity with treatment modalities (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing).
• Case management and record-keeping.
• Proficiency in software for scheduling and reporting (e.g.,MS Office, EHR software).

4. Highlight Education and Certifications

A solid educational background in social work, psychology, counselling, or a related field can be a great asset for a recovery worker role. List any relevant degrees, certifications, or courses you’ve completed.

If you have taken any continuing education courses in mental health, addiction treatment, or counselling, include them here as well. Employers appreciate candidates committed to ongoing learning in their field.

5. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Recovery Work

Employers seek recovery workers who are genuinely committed to helping others. To highlight your dedication, consider adding a section for relevant volunteer work, professional associations, or even a brief line under your personal statement about your motivation.

If you’re a member of any professional associations (such as the British Association of Social Workers or the Association for Addiction Professionals), include them on your CV to show your engagement in the field.

6. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Every organisation has unique values and priorities, so customising your CV for each application is crucial. Research the employer and review the job description carefully. Emphasise the qualities and experiences that align most closely with the specific role you’re applying for.

7. Proofread and Keep the Formatting Clean

Finally, ensure your CV is well-organised, easy to read, and free of errors. Use a simple, professional font, consistent formatting, and keep it to one or two pages. Proofreading is essential for maintaining professionalism, so double-check for grammar and spelling errors.

Conclusion

Crafting a strong CV for a recovery worker position involves more than just listing jobs, it’s about communicating your empathy, resilience, and commitment to supporting others. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create a CV that resonates with employers and demonstrates your readiness to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

If you’re seeking your next role as a recovery worker, we have excellent opportunities available across the UK. Submit your CV here, and a member of our Criminal Justice team will be in touch to discuss roles that match your skills and experience.