Location: Forward Leeds – Kirkgate and Seacroft, Leeds
Working hours: 37 hours per week (Full Time)
Contract type: Permanent (Full Time)
Salary: £31,030.00 - £41,980.00 per annum (full earning potential)
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we have created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England, supporting around 125,000 people each year through nearly 200 services and employing 3,500 staff and volunteers.
About the Role
Forward Leeds is the city’s alcohol and drug service, offering advice, support and treatment for adults, young people and families. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Practitioner to join our Focused Intervention Team, working across both Kirkgate and Seacroft sites. The role includes one late shift each week, working until 7:00pm to meet service needs.
What You’ll Do
- Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership and support to a team of up to 10 staff within the Focused Intervention Team.
- Supervise, coach and develop staff through regular supervision, appraisal, training and performance management.
- Support the Service Manager to deliver high‑quality services that meet contractual requirements, quality standards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Lead on the development and implementation of specialist pathways, interventions and service improvements.
- Maintain a small caseload of adults with complex needs, completing comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and recovery plans.
- Deliver and oversee evidence‑based psychosocial interventions using trauma‑informed and recovery‑focused approaches.
- Support staff with complex case management, safeguarding, risk management and professional decision‑making.
- Work collaboratively with healthcare providers, housing services, criminal justice partners and community organisations to provide coordinated support.
- Analyse service information and performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure accurate, timely and confidential case recording in line with organisational policies and clinical governance standards.
- Promote harm reduction, reduce the impact of substance use on individuals and the wider community, and encourage positive recovery outcomes.
- Deputise for the Service Manager when required and contribute to the wider leadership and development of Forward Leeds.
About You
We are looking for an experienced practitioner who is passionate about supporting people, leading teams and delivering excellent services.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) is essential.
- A relevant professional qualification in addiction studies, counselling, social work or a related discipline is desirable.
- Experience of supervising, mentoring and developing staff, including effective supervision, performance management and supporting professional development.
- Significant experience of working with adults affected by alcohol and drug use, including non‑dependent alcohol use and non‑opiate substance use.
- Experience delivering evidence‑based interventions such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychosocial Interventions (PSIs), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ITEP is essential.
- Experience completing comprehensive assessments, risk assessments, safeguarding and recovery planning while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Experience working collaboratively with health services, criminal justice agencies, housing providers and community organisations to achieve positive outcomes for people with multiple and complex needs.
- Experience monitoring service quality, analysing management information and contributing to continuous service improvement in line with national guidance and best practice.
- Excellent communication, organisational and relationship‑building skills with confidence using Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
- A compassionate, resilient and proactive leadership style that motivates others, manages competing priorities and creates a positive, inclusive team environment.
What We Offer
- 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 the 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
Equal Opportunities
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: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk.
Closing Date: 2026-08-07
Lead Practitioner - Intervention Team in Leeds employer: Recovery Focus
Recovery Focus is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With a supportive work culture, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, pension contributions, and access to a 24/7 online GP, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of families in Enfield. The company also fosters professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development in the health and social care sector.
