Lead Practitioner

recoveryfocus

North East

On-site

GBP 31,000 - 42,000

Part time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

27 days' annual leave, rising to 32

Pension scheme with 4.5% employer

Life assurance (3× annual salary)

Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly

Birthday leave and extra leave option

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

Cycle to Work scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Free will writing service

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a Lead Practitioner for the County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service, based at Centre for Change, Durham, with travel across County Durham. The role is 22.5 hours per week, over three days, and permanent.

You will lead a small team, oversee assessments and recovery planning, and ensure high-quality, person-centred care. The successful candidate will have an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, experience in drug and alcohol services, and strong communication and IT skills,

Qualifications

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Good IT skills

Analytical/reporting ability

Willingness to travel

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Lead Practitioner - County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service

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.

What You'll Be Doing

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: