Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker

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

Job summary

A community support organization in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker to enhance outcomes for residents within Approved Premises. The ideal candidate will manage a caseload, provide leadership and guidance, and support staff development. This role demands experience in multi-agency working and a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting equality. A full-time position with competitive salary and benefits is offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

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

Access to retail discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in the Probation Service or wider Criminal Justice Sector.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
• Knowledge of desistance and trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Deliver risk assessment, planning and supervision for high-risk residents.
• Provide leadership and support for designated staff.
• Lead on interventions for resident engagement.

Skills

Safeguarding

Risk management

Multi-agency practice

Coaching

Communication skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker

A great opportunity for an experienced practitioner with strong safeguarding, risk management and multi-agency practice skills to support resident engagement, rehabilitation and high-quality service delivery across Approved Premises.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Probation Practitioner, Senior Practitioner, Residential Support Worker, Resettlement Worker, Case Coordinator, Case Manager

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.

Ready to make your next career move? Apply Now with your CV and short cover letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the role, for our Recruitment Team to review.

DUTIES

Your duties as the Lead Practitioner / Senior Support Worker include:

• 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. CV’s 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