At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing alcohol-related challenges and promote healthier lifestyles.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, professional development, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and accessibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help others achieve positive outcomes.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent, with experience in substance misuse.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: South Tyneside
Working Hours: 37 hours, Monday - Friday between 09:00-17:00
Contract Type: 12 month Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240
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
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service (STARS) as a Primary Care Alcohol Practitioner. This is a newly created role focused on prevention and early intervention, supporting individuals who may be at risk of alcohol-related harm. Working across GP practices throughout South Tyneside, you will provide tailored advice, brief interventions and recovery-focused support to help people make positive, lasting changes to their alcohol use and overall wellbeing.
Working closely with GP practices, Primary Care Networks and partner agencies, you will improve access to treatment and support pathways, whilst taking a holistic approach to recovery that considers all aspects of an individual's health and wellbeing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of service users and delivering personalised recovery plans.
- Carrying out assessments and alcohol screening interventions, including AUDIT assessments.
- Delivering brief interventions, psychosocial support and harm reduction advice.
- Building effective relationships with GP practices and partner agencies.
- Supporting individuals to access treatment, community resources and recovery support.
- Managing risk and safeguarding concerns in line with organisational procedures.
About You
We are looking for someone who has:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards this qualification.
- Experience within substance misuse, alcohol services, health, social care or a related field.
- Knowledge of alcohol harm reduction approaches and psychosocial interventions.
- Strong communication and engagement skills.
- Experience supporting individuals on a one-to-one basis.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills and a passion for helping people achieve positive outcomes.
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: 2026-06-30
Primary Care Alcohol Practitioner employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension contributions, and access to mental health resources, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in South Tyneside as a Primary Care Alcohol Practitioner and be part of a passionate team committed to creating lasting change in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Care Alcohol Practitioner
✨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 Primary Care Alcohol Practitioner
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.
