Pathways to Employment: supporting people with lived and living experience of substance use in to work
This toolkit brings together best practice and support into one place to provide employers and employment support providers advice on how to attract, recruit and support staff with lived experience of substance use.
Toolkit overview and purpose
The toolkit sets out:
1. That recovery is often non-linear.
2. The value that people with lived experience can bring to the workforce.
3. The stages of the employment journey, highlighting the importance of seamless transitions.
4. The common barriers encountered by people with lived experience seeking employment.
5. Practical advice to help people overcome these barriers.
The information can be applied by any employer seeking to recruit people with lived experience.
Key fundamentals for supporting employees with lived experience
To effectively support individuals with lived experience on their employment journey, the following principles are important:
1. Person-centred – recognise each individual’s unique strengths and experiences. Provide tailored support to address challenges and manage risks effectively.
2. Seamless transition – ensure smooth progression at every step, from engagement with support services to employment.
3. Flexibility – adapt to individual needs, support people for as long as they need. This might include time-outs or contingency plans upon returning to the workplace.
4. Opportunity – support people in their career choice, ensuring a range of pathways are in place.
5. Inclusive environment – foster an anti-discriminatory, trauma-informed workplace where staff feel safe, valued, and supported.
Understanding substance use and recovery
Recovery journeys vary, open communication and regular check-ins are important to support employees overcome any challenges, whilst supporting wellbeing.
The Scottish Government’s ‘Guiding Principles’ for supporting employees with lived and living experience of problematic substance use’ set out an approach to ensure greater consistency in how people with experience are supported in the workplace.