Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner

Waythrough; Virginia; On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a dedicated Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our Branching Out Team at The Orange Box Young People's Centre in Calderdale. You will deliver specialist drug and alcohol treatment, assessments and interventions for young people aged 10–21, manage a caseload and collaborate with families and partner agencies to improve outcomes.

Based predominantly within the Youth Justice Service, you will provide structured one-to-one and group work, ensure safeguarding,

Qualifications

• Provide drug and alcohol treatment for young people aged 10–21.
• Experience working with youth justice or youth services is desirable.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist drug and alcohol treatment, assessments, and interventions for children and young people aged 10–21.
• Manage a caseload, deliver structured one-to-one and group interventions, and take a strengths-based approach.
• Work with families, Youth Justice colleagues, and partner agencies to improve outcomes.
• Support access to education, employment, training, and community opportunities.
• Explore links between substance misuse and offending behaviour and build resilience.
• Maintain accurate case records and stay up to date with safeguarding responsibilities.

Skills

Caseload management

Group interventions

One-to-one work

Strengths-based approach

Safeguarding

Interagency collaboration

Education/employment links

Job description

Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner

Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner - Calderdale Recovery Steps

Location: The Orange Box Young People's Centre, Halifax (co-located services) - Driving licence required and access to a vehicle.

Working Hours: 30 hours per week, worked across 4 days

Contract Type: 12 months post, with the possibility of a further two years' funding, subject to continued funding.

Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240 per annum / pro rata. Please note that the starting salary for this post is £28,000 per annum (equating to £22,702.40 for part-time hours)

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. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a Child First Youth Justice

System, supporting children and young people to make informed choices, build resilience, and reduce the impact of substance misuse on their lives.

Contract and Working Arrangements

This post is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of up to a further 2 years’ funding extension, subject to continued funding.

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.

About the Role

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

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a Child First Youth Justice System, supporting children and young people to make informed choices, build resilience, and reduce the impact of substance misuse on their lives. The role is predominantly based within the Youth Justice Service (YJS) while working collaboratively across co-located services at The Orange Box Young People's Centre.

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 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.

You will work closely with young people, families, Youth Justice colleagues, and wider partner agencies to help young people understand the impact of substance use.

Support young people to access education, employment, training, and community opportunities.

Explore links between substance misuse and offending behaviour, and build the resilience and skills needed to make positive, informed choices.

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