Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner

Waythrough; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a dedicated Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner to join the Branching Out Calderdale team. You will provide specialist drug and alcohol treatment, assessments, and interventions for young people aged 10–21, with families and partner agencies.

You will manage caseloads, deliver group and one-to-one programmes, support education and training opportunities, and work to secure sustainable positive outcomes for young people in Calderdale.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Experience in drug and alcohol-related work.
• Understanding safeguarding procedures and legislation.
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it.
• Good IT skills and use of electronic case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of young people, developing, implementing, and reviewing recovery plans and treatment programmes.
• Deliver specialist substance misuse assessments, interventions, and tailored support.
• Design and facilitate engaging one-to-one and group programmes that meet local needs.
• Support young people to access education, employment, training, and community opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Youth Justice Services, schools, families, and partner agencies.
• Contribute to multi-agency assessments, meetings, and plans to promote safety and wellbeing.
• Deliver family-focused interventions and promote positive family involvement in recovery where appropriate.
• Support young people to transition into sustainable education, employment, training, or universal youth provision.
• Maintain accurate case records in line with organisational and contractual requirements.
• Stay up to date with safeguarding responsibilities, legislation, and emerging trends in substance misuse.

Skills

Driving licence

Vehicle access

Strong communication

Assessment skills

Relationship building

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent)

Job description

Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner - Branching Out Calderdale

Location: The Orange Box Young People's Centre, Halifax. Driving licence required and access to a vehicle.

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, worked across 5 days 9am-5pm with a 30-minute early finish agreed locally

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum (please note the starting salary for this post will be £28,000 per annum)

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.

Make a Difference to the Lives of Young People

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Do you want to be part of a service that creates meaningful change in the lives of children and young people?

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our Branching Out Team in Calderdale.

As a Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner, you will provide specialist drug and alcohol treatment, assessments, and interventions for children and young people aged 10–21.

You will work closely with young people, families and wider partner agencies to help young people understand the impact of substance and build the resilience and skills needed to make positive, informed choices.

You will manage a caseload, deliver structured one-to-one and group interventions, and take a strengths-based approach to supporting young people to achieve sustainable outcomes.

We are committed to supporting both service delivery and staff wellbeing. Working hours can be flexible, and will be agreed in line with service needs to ensure the best outcomes for young people and families.

What You’ll Do

• Manage a caseload of young people, developing, implementing, and reviewing recovery plans and treatment programmes
• Deliver specialist substance misuse assessments, interventions, and tailored support
• Design and facilitate engaging one-to-one and group programmes that meet local needs
• Support young people to access education, employment, training, and community opportunities
• Work collaboratively with Youth Justice Services, schools, families, and partner agencies
• Contribute to multi-agency assessments, meetings, and plans to promote safety and wellbeing
• Deliver family-focused interventions and promote positive family involvement in recovery where appropriate
• Support young people to transition into sustainable education, employment, training, or universal youth provision
• Maintain accurate case records in line with organisational and contractual requirements
• Stay up to date with safeguarding responsibilities, legislation, and emerging trends in substance misuse

To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need

• Experience working with children and young people and an understanding of their challenges
• Experience in drug and alcohol-related work and knowledge of substance misuse issues
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and legislation relating to children and vulnerable individuals
• Strong communication, assessment, and relationship-building skills
• Experience working collaboratively in multi-agency or multidisciplinary settings
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable Experience

• Relevant qualification in youth work, substance misuse, social work, or related field
• Experience delivering family-focused interventions
• Experience facilitating group work and therapeutic interventions
• Experience completing assessments, recovery planning, and risk management plans