Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker

AWD RECRUITMENT LTD; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks a Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker in Newcastle upon Tyne to enhance outcomes for individuals in Approved Premises. The ideal candidate will manage a caseload, provide leadership, and support staff development in a trauma-informed environment. Candidates must have experience in the Probation Service or Criminal Justice Sector and be skilled in working with complex needs. Competitive salary of £37,000 plus benefits, including pension, annual leave, and other perks. Applications should include a CV and cover letter.

Benefits

27 days annual leave + Birthday Day off

2 Volunteer Days

Pension – 5% Employee 5% Employer

Healthcare Cash Plan

Annual salary review

Refer a friend scheme

Free access to Benefit Hub

Qualifications

• Experience in the Probation Service or wider Criminal Justice Sector.
• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Experience of supporting individuals with multiple and complex needs.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
• Proven experience of coaching and developing colleagues.
• Experience of risk management and safeguarding.
• Knowledge of desistance and trauma-informed approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload and provide assessments for high-risk residents.
• Offer line management and coaching for designated staff.
• Develop practice and ensure high-quality standards.
• Lead on interventions and maintain engaging activities for residents.
• Conduct checks and proactive engagement to encourage positive behavior.

Skills

Experience in the Probation Service or Criminal Justice Sector

Multi-agency working

Supporting individuals with complex needs

Understanding of equality and diversity

Coaching and developing colleagues

Risk management and safeguarding

Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches

Excellent communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Time management

Job description

Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker

Salary: £37,000 per annum + Benefits (see below)

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England (NE4 6) – Fully Site Based

Job type: Full-Time, Permanent

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, day shifts – pattern to be agreed (additional casual hours available covering project support worker/Night Care worker duties)

Job overview

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker to help enhance outcomes for individuals residing within Approved Premises. In this varied role, you will support effective rehabilitation and work collaboratively with partners to promote safer communities.

As a Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker you will take an active lead in resident engagement, activity planning and delivering enabling environments. You will guide colleagues in maintaining high standards of practice while maintaining a small caseload and contributing to risk assessment and supervision work.

As a Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker you will also support staff development, champion equality, inclusion and diversity, and help create a positive, trauma‑informed and desistance‑focused environment that promotes meaningful change.

Duties

• Managing a Caseload: Deliver risk assessment, planning and supervision for high and very high-risk residents
• Providing Leadership: Offer line management, coaching and supervision for designated staff
• Supporting Rotas: Assist with rota organisation and respond to last‑minute changes
• Developing Practice: Model best practice and support colleagues to maintain high‑quality standards
• Enhancing Engagement: Lead on interventions and ensure a full and engaging activity calendar for residents
• Inducting New Staff: Support the induction and integration of new team members
• Multi‑Agency Collaboration: Liaise with partner organisations and foster strong community links
• Monitoring Residents: Conduct checks, inspections and proactive engagement to encourage positive behaviour
• Providing Direct Support: Assist residents in meeting licence conditions and maintaining their safety
• Service Resilience: Offer keyworker and desk cover when required
• Supporting Equality and Inclusion: Attend EID meetings and contribute to inclusive service delivery
• Deputising: Act as deputy for the AP Manager when required

Candidate requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in the Probation Service or wider Criminal Justice Sector
• Experience of multi‑agency working
• Experience of supporting individuals with multiple and complex needs
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusive practice
• Proven experience of coaching and developing colleagues
• Experience of risk management and safeguarding
• Knowledge of desistance and trauma‑informed approaches
• Evidence of commitment to quality and service development
• Ability to motivate and support staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work autonomously and in a team
• Effective time management, planning and organisational skills
• Confident IT user able to work with information systems and data

Desirable

• A background in line management

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave + Birthday Day off (with the opportunity to buy additional days)
• 2 Volunteer Days
• Pension – 5% Employee 5% Employer
• Healthcare Cash Plan, incl. 3 x salary life assurance
• Annual salary review
• Refer a friend scheme
• Free access to Benefit Hub – an online portal with access to a wide range of retail discounts, cycle to work scheme, and additional voluntary benefits

Enhanced DBS check with the additional barred list check will be undertaken as part of the pre‑employment process for any successful candidate.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share and uphold this commitment in conjunction with the requirements of the Prevent Duty and the positive promotion of modern British values.

Closing date

Wednesday 31st December 2025

Interviews

Interviews will be face to face in Newcastle.

How to apply

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV along with a short cover letter detailing your reasons for applying and why you feel you are suitable. CVs of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P14181