Lead Practitioner

Waythrough; North East; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Life assurance (3× salary)

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Job summary

Waythrough is recruiting an experienced Lead Practitioner to join the County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service. This leadership role supports day-to-day operations, mentors a small team and ensures safe, effective, person-centred interventions while maintaining a small caseload.

Based at Centre for Change in Durham with travel to other services across County Durham, the role offers a permanent contract, 22.5 hours per week, and a salary band of £31,030 to £41,980 pro rata.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• Experience in drug and alcohol services.
• Experience delivering evidence-based interventions and managing complex caseloads.
• Experience completing comprehensive assessments and risk assessments.
• Experience supporting or leading colleagues through supervision, coaching or line management.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to present information and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Good IT skills and the ability to analyse and report on performance information.
• A flexible approach and willingness to travel across County Durham as required.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operational management of the service and deputise for the Service Manager.
• Provide line management, supervision and coaching to a small team.
• Deliver and oversee high-quality assessments, risk assessments and recovery planning.
• Maintain a small caseload, delivering evidence-based interventions.
• Monitor service quality, analyse performance information and contribute towards contractual targets and KPIs.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Help shape and improve service delivery, ensuring services remain accessible and responsive to local need.
• Promote a positive, supportive team culture aligned with Waythrough's values.

Skills

Communication

IT skills

Analytical skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care

Job description

Lead Practitioner - County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service

All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.

Location: Centre for Change, 88 Whinney Hill, Durham DH1 3BQ

This will be your main base; however, there is an expectation to travel to other services across County Durham.

Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week, worked over 3 days

Working Pattern: Negotiable between Monday and Friday (09:00 – 17:00)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £31,030 - £41,980 (pro rata)

• Please note: This role requires a valid UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

About The Role

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Practitioner to join our County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in substance misuse services who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role or build on their existing management experience. You'll play a key part in supporting the day-to-day running of the service, leading a small team, maintaining high standards of care and ensuring the people we support receive safe, effective and person-centred interventions.

Working closely with the Service Manager, you'll help drive service quality, mentor colleagues and contribute to the ongoing development of the service while continuing to hold a small caseload.

As a Lead Practitioner, You'll

• Support the day-to-day operational management of the service and deputise for the Service Manager when required.
• Provide line management, supervision and coaching to a small team, helping colleagues develop and thrive.
• Deliver and oversee high-quality assessments, risk assessments and recovery planning.
• Maintain a small caseload, delivering evidence-based interventions to people accessing the service.
• Monitor service quality, analyse performance information and contribute towards achieving contractual targets and KPIs.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, partner agencies and stakeholders across County Durham.
• Help shape and improve service delivery, ensuring services remain accessible and responsive to local need.
• Promote a positive, supportive team culture aligned with Waythrough's values.

About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people affected by drug and alcohol use and who enjoys developing others to achieve their potential.

You’ll Ideally Have

• An NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent or above).
• Experience working within drug and alcohol services.
• Experience delivering evidence-based interventions and managing complex caseloads.
• Experience completing comprehensive assessments and risk assessments.
• Experience supporting or leading colleagues through supervision, coaching or line management.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to present information and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Good IT skills and the ability to analyse and report on performance information.
• A flexible approach and willingness to travel across County Durham as required.

Management experience is desirable, but we're also keen to hear from experienced practitioners looking to take the next step in their career.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3× annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave

Professional Fee Reimbursement For Relevant Qualifications

• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.