At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting adults with substance use issues and deliver high-quality services.
- Company: Join Waythrough, one of England's largest mental health charities making a real community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering career growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and social care, with a passion for supporting individuals facing challenges.
The predicted salary is between 31030 - 41980 £ per year.
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
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:
Forward Leeds is the city's alcohol and drug service, providing advice, support and treatment for adults, young people and families. We're looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Practitioner to join our Intervention Team, working within the Focused Intervention Team. The Focused Intervention Team supports adults experiencing a range of substance use issues, specialising in work with people presenting with non-dependent alcohol use and non-opiate substance use.
You'll support the Service Manager with the day-to-day operational management of the team, ensuring high-quality, safe and effective services are delivered while meeting contractual and performance requirements. This role is based across both Forward Leeds sites at Kirkgate and Seacroft and includes one late shift each week, working until 7:00pm to meet the needs of the service.
Alongside leading a team of up to 10 staff, you'll maintain a small caseload of people with more complex needs, providing specialist guidance, supporting excellent clinical practice and working closely with partner agencies to improve outcomes for the people we support.
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're 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.
Leadership Experience:
- Experience of supervising, mentoring and developing staff, including delivering effective supervision, performance management and supporting professional development.
Substance Use Expertise:
- Significant experience of working with adults affected by alcohol and drug use, including people experiencing 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.
Clinical Practice:
- Experience completing comprehensive assessments, risk assessments, safeguarding and recovery planning while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Partnership Working:
- 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.
Quality & Performance:
- Experience monitoring service quality, analysing management information and contributing to continuous service improvement in line with national guidance and best practice.
Communication & IT Skills:
- Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills with confidence using Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
Leadership Style:
- A compassionate, resilient and proactive leader who can motivate others, manage competing priorities and create a positive, inclusive team environment.
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: 2026-08-07
Lead Practitioner - Intervention Team employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to impactful change, we offer a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and various well-being initiatives, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about guiding individuals towards recovery. Join us in a role where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner - Intervention Team
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Waythrough.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Waythrough!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Waythrough, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Waythrough or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner - Intervention Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Waythrough:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Waythrough! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
