Implementation Support Lead in Preston

Implementation Support Lead in Preston

Preston Temporary 36101 - 38114 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Change Grow Live

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the implementation of a new Ketamine Day Programme across Lancashire.
  • Company: Inspire and Acorn Recovery Projects, dedicated to supporting recovery from ketamine use.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to make a real difference in the community.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity with potential for career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative programme tackling a pressing issue and help people on their recovery journey.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for supporting individuals in recovery.

The predicted salary is between 36101 - 38114 £ per year.

In Lancashire we are seeing unprecedented challenges relating to ketamine use, affecting both adults and young people. In response to this growing need, our commissioners have secured additional funding and have asked Inspire, in partnership with Acorn Recovery Projects, to lead the development, implementation and delivery of a new specialist Lancashire-wide Ketamine Day Programme. This innovative new offer has been designed specifically to address the gaps we're seeing across the treatment pathway, providing a structured, intensive and recovery-focused intervention that bridges the space between community treatment, detoxification and long-term recovery support.

Acorn Recovery Projects will be recruiting a dedicated workforce for the programme, including six Group Facilitators and a Team Leader, creating a team focused entirely on supporting people affected by ketamine use. The programme will be delivered across North Lancashire, East Lancashire, and Central/West Lancashire, ensuring equitable access and a consistent specialist offer across the county.

The service will consist of two complementary pathways designed to support individuals at different stages of their recovery journey.

  • Pathway 1: Pre-Detox Engagement and Stabilisation Programme
    This pathway is aimed at individuals who:
  • Continue to use ketamine
  • Are in the early stages of change
  • Are awaiting inpatient detoxification
  • Are experiencing ketamine-related harms but are not yet ready for an abstinence-focused programme

A key strength of this pathway will be its close connection to Red Rose Recovery's dedicated Ketamine Peer Support Workers, who will provide engagement, mentoring and practical support to promote attendance, retention and progression through treatment and recovery pathways.

  • Pathway 2: Ketamine Recovery Day Programme
    This pathway is designed for individuals who:
  • Have completed detoxification and are abstinent from ketamine
  • Are preparing for, or returning from, residential treatment
  • Require intensive psychosocial support to sustain recovery and reduce relapse risk

Participants will also benefit from integrated keyworker support, access to peer recovery networks and engagement with Lancashire's thriving recovery community.

We are recruiting for a 6 month Implementation Support Lead to work closely with Service Manager, commissioners, Acorn and wider system partners across Lancashire to implement the above Ketamine Day Programme ready to go live in January 2027. The successful candidate will commence post in October 2026. Please ensure you have discussed your application with your line manager to ensure they will be able to release you from your role should you be successful.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a specific response to one of the fastest-growing challenges we are facing across Lancashire. We're incredibly excited about the difference this programme could make, helping more people access the right support, at the right time, and improving long-term recovery outcomes across the county.

A note about using AI in your application: AI can be a really helpful tool when putting together your application, and we're happy for you to use it. However, what we're most interested in is you. We want to understand your experiences, achievements and strengths, so please make sure your application reflects your own story and clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria and the impact you've made in previous roles. There's no need to write in a particular style. The strongest applications are authentic, specific and clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and potential. We look forward to learning more about you.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time): CGL points 31 to 33 (£36,101.10 - £38,114.53)

ILW / OLW /Fringe: N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

If you have any questions or concerns on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:

Emma Foster | emma.foster@cgl.org.uk | 07717141106

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Implementation Support Lead in Preston employer: Change Grow Live

Change Grow Live is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and service users. Located in Bromley, this role provides meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, with a focus on making a positive impact in the community. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave, and the chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals in the field of recovery support.

Change Grow Live

Contact Details:

Change Grow Live Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Implementation Support Lead in Preston

Get Involved in Local Community Projects

One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!

Engage with Social Work Networks

Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.

Apply Directly Through Our Website!

When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Change Grow Live, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Implementation Support Lead in Preston

Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Programme Implementation
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Change Grow Live. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.

Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.

Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Change Grow Live. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!

Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!

How to prepare for a job interview at Change Grow Live

Sharpen Your Empathy Skills

In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Change Grow Live.

Know Your Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Implementation Support Lead role at Change Grow Live, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Change Grow Live that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.