At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting vulnerable individuals in the criminal justice system.
- 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: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and empower those in need.
- Qualifications: Degree in mental health or community services and team management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32220 - 43590 £ per year.
Location: North and Central London
Working Hours: 37 (full-time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £32,220 - £43,590
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives? Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day. We support over 125,000 people each year through our 200 services, empowering individuals to overcome challenges around mental health, housing, and substance use.
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced Team Leader to join our Liaison and Diversion Service, leading a team of Community Link Workers who support vulnerable adults, children and young people in contact with the criminal justice system. You'll provide day-to-day leadership, ensuring people with mental ill health, learning disabilities, autism or substance misuse needs receive timely, person-centred support and are connected to the services they need. Working closely with NHS, criminal justice and community partners, you'll help deliver positive outcomes for individuals at some of the most critical points in their lives.
Please note: You will travel across North and Central London. This role is office and community-based and may include working within police custody suites. This position is primarily Monday to Friday; however, flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends will be required.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, supervise and support a team of Community Link Workers to deliver a high-quality service.
- Monitor caseloads, performance and service standards to ensure contractual targets are achieved.
- Build strong partnerships with NHS, police, social care and criminal justice agencies.
- Provide guidance on safeguarding, risk management and complex case decisions.
- Coach and develop team members through regular supervision and performance management.
- Contribute to service development and promote continuous improvement across the team.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- A degree or equivalent professional qualification and experience within mental health or community services.
- Previous experience managing or supervising a team within a fast-paced environment.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and supporting people with complex needs.
- Excellent communication and partnership-working skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across services.
- The confidence to make informed decisions, lead by example and inspire a high-performing team.
If you're passionate about leading people, improving services and making a real difference to vulnerable individuals, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
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: 2026-07-14
Team Manager - Liaison and Diversion Team employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers employees to thrive. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will find meaningful work that allows you to lead a passionate team in transforming lives across North and Central London. Join us to be part of a dynamic organisation where your contributions truly matter and where you can grow both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Liaison and Diversion 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 Team Manager - Liaison and Diversion 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.
