Lead Practitoner

recoveryfocus; Carlisle; On-site; AUD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking an experienced Lead Practitioner to oversee the day-to-day delivery and performance of a designated service team in Carlisle, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for people using our services.

You will work with the Service Manager to lead and develop staff, support service improvements, manage a caseload, complete assessments and support plans, and deputise for the Service Manager when required.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
• Experience leading, supporting and developing staff with supervision.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills with ability to manage priorities.
• Experience analysing management information, monitoring performance and producing reports.
• Experience with drug/alcohol-affected individuals and delivering interventions.
• Ability to complete comprehensive assessments and develop support plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support day-to-day delivery of services within your area, ensuring high-quality, person-centered care.
• Monitor performance with the Service Manager to meet KPIs and contractual obligations.
• Develop and deliver effective service pathways and resources.
• Mentor and develop staff and volunteers, with supervision and appraisals.
• Recruitment, induction, training and staff development support.
• Manage caseloads, complete assessments and risk assessments.
• Maintain records and reports to support case management and service delivery.
• Collaborate with partners to drive service improvements and governance.

Skills

NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care

Staff leadership

Organisational skills

Performance monitoring

Evidence-based interventions

Assessments & support plans

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Location: 128 Botcherby Avenue, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 2TX

Salary: £31,030 - £41,980 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.

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

As a Lead Practitioner, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery and performance of a designated service team, helping to create a positive working environment and ensuring high-quality, effective support for the people who use our services.

Working closely with the Service Manager, you will lead and develop staff, support service improvements and ensure delivery meets quality standards, contractual requirements and agreed performance targets.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will manage a caseload, complete assessments and support plans, and work directly with individuals to help them achieve positive outcomes. You will also contribute to service development, promote accessible and inclusive support, and deputise for the Service Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the day-to-day delivery of services within your designated area, ensuring high standards of quality and person-centred care.
• Work with the Service Manager to monitor performance, review outcomes and improve processes to meet service requirements, contractual obligations and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Develop and deliver effective service pathways, interventions and resources that respond to the needs of the people and communities we support.
• Manage, mentor and develop staff and volunteers, providing regular supervision, coaching, appraisals and performance support.
• Contribute to recruitment, induction, training and staff development, supporting colleagues to build their skills and confidence.
• Manage a caseload, completing comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and support plans, and working collaboratively with individuals, families and partner agencies.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear written and verbal reports to support effective case management and service delivery.
• Analyse management information and service outcomes to identify trends, address challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively as part of the local management team, contributing to organisational initiatives, working groups and the delivery of Waythrough's wider strategic priorities.
• Promote the active involvement of service users in shaping and improving services, ensuring support is accessible and inclusive, particularly for underrepresented groups.
• Take responsibility for health and safety within the working environment and ensure practice complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and clinical governance requirements.
• Help reduce substance-related harm and promote positive outcomes for individuals and the wider community.
• Deputise for the Service Manager or Area Manager in their absence, providing leadership and supporting continuity of service delivery.
• Maintain your professional development, keeping up to date with relevant guidance, legislation and best practice.

Abou t You

We are looking for an experienced, supportive and motivated practitioner who can lead a team effectively while maintaining a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred support.

You will ideally have

• An NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or an equivalent or higher qualification.
• Experience of leading, supporting and developing staff, including providing effective and regular supervision.
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate others and manage competing priorities.
• Experience of analysing management information, monitoring performance and producing reports.
• Experience of working with people affected by drug and alcohol use and delivering evidence-based one-to-one and group interventions.
• The ability to complete comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, and develop appropriate support plans.
• An understanding of evidence-based interventions, including brief interventions, motivational interviewing (MI), psychosocial interventions