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- Tasks: Lead harm reduction strategies and deliver impactful interventions in the community.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to innovation and evidence-based practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help reduce drug-related harm.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance misuse services and strong knowledge of harm reduction practices.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 34240 £ per year.
Location: 8–10 Carlton Street, Halifax, HX1 2AL
Hours: 37 hours per week (flexibility required, including evenings/weekends)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 – £34,240.03 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.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Harm Reduction Specialist to lead and shape harm reduction across Calderdale. This is a unique opportunity to take a strategic and operational lead in delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions that reduce drug and alcohol-related harm particularly for those most at risk. You’ll play a key role in developing innovative approaches, influencing practice across the system, and ensuring our services reach those who need them most including individuals not currently engaged in treatment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the development and delivery of harm reduction strategy across the service
- Designing and implementing interventions such as needle exchange, naloxone distribution, and overdose prevention initiatives
- Using data and local intelligence to respond to emerging drug trends and risks
- Embedding harm reduction across all service pathways, including outreach and criminal justice
- Managing and developing staff, including Recovery Navigators and volunteers
- Building strong partnerships with public health, hospitals, housing, and criminal justice services
- Delivering training to staff and external partners on harm reduction and emerging trends
- Supporting peer-led initiatives and involving people with lived experience in service design
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who combines operational experience with strategic thinking, and who is passionate about reducing harm and saving lives. You’ll bring:
- Experience in substance misuse services or a related field
- Strong knowledge of harm reduction approaches and best practice
- Experience leading or developing services, projects, or interventions
- Confidence analysing data and using insights to improve outcomes
- Experience managing or supervising staff
- Excellent partnership and stakeholder engagement skills
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) – essential (or willingness to work towards)
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. addiction, counselling, social work) – desirable
Why Join Us?
- Lead and shape a critical area of service delivery
- Be part of an organisation committed to innovation and evidence-based practice
- Work alongside passionate, multidisciplinary teams
- Access ongoing development, leadership support, and training
- Make a genuine impact on reducing drug-related deaths and improving lives
A Realistic View of the Role
This is a high-impact but demanding role. You’ll be working with complex systems, high-risk populations, and evolving challenges such as emerging drug trends. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to drive real change, influence practice, and improve outcomes at both an individual and system level.
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: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-05-15
Harm Reduction Specialist employer: Waythrough
Contact Detail:
Waythrough Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Harm Reduction Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of harm reduction or mental health. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about harm reduction and how it aligns with your values. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in harm reduction. Be ready to discuss how you would implement innovative strategies based on data and local intelligence. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Waythrough.
We think you need these skills to ace Harm Reduction Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Harm Reduction Specialist. We want to see how your skills can make a real difference in our community!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for harm reduction and helping others shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a positive impact, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, as we appreciate clarity and directness in communication.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need to get started there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Harm Reduction Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in various harm reduction strategies and best practices. Be ready to discuss specific interventions like needle exchange or naloxone distribution, and how they can be tailored to meet the needs of different communities.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves using data to respond to emerging drug trends, prepare examples of how you've previously analysed data to improve outcomes. Highlight any experience you have with local intelligence and how it informed your decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This position requires managing staff and developing services. Be prepared to share your leadership experiences, particularly in substance misuse services. Discuss how you’ve motivated teams and built partnerships with other organisations.
✨Engage with Lived Experience
Understanding the importance of lived experience is crucial in this role. Be ready to talk about how you’ve involved individuals with lived experience in service design or delivery, and why you believe their input is invaluable.