Lead Practitoner

Recovery Focus; King's Newton; Presencial; GBP 31.000 - 42.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

Employee support programmes

Descripción de la vacante

Waythrough is seeking a Lead Practitioner to oversee a designated service team, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support and performance against KPIs. You will manage a caseload, complete assessments and support plans, and deputise for the Service Manager as required.

You will lead staff development, provide supervision, coach colleagues, and drive continuous service improvement, while maintaining robust records and contributing to organisational priorities.

Formación

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
• Experience leading, supporting and developing staff with regular supervision.
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills to motivate others.

Responsabilidades

• Lead day-to-day service delivery within designated area ensuring high-quality, person-centred care.
• Monitor performance with Service Manager; review outcomes and drive improvements.
• Develop and deliver effective service pathways, interventions, and resources.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Staff development

Performance monitoring

Report writing

Office software

Educación

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Relevant professional qualification (addiction studies, counselling, social work, or therapeutic practice)

Herramientas

Microsoft Office/Outlook

Descripción del empleo

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.

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.

About You

• 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, cognitive behavioural approaches (CBT) and ITEP.
• Experience of maintaining confidentiality and working within professional boundaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programmes, including Outlook.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and continuous service improvement.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, where relevant to the service, and experience of working within recognised best-practice frameworks would also be important.
• A relevant professional qualification in areas such as addiction studies, counselling, social work or therapeutic practice would be advantageous.
• Above all, you will share our commitment to treating people with kindness, courage and respect, and have the confidence to lead by example, develop others and find practical solutions to challenges.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to take on a rewarding leadership role where you can make a meaningful difference to both the people who use our services and the colleagues who support them. You will have the opportunity to shape service delivery, develop your leadership skills and contribute to improvements that help people achieve better outcomes. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and use your experience to inspire others and deliver positive change, we would love to hear from you.

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.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: [e-mail]

Closing Date: 2026-11-06

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. In April 2026, Aquarius, our former subsidiary partner, merged with Waythrough. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have 260 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 130,000 people.