At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in making healthier choices and reducing substance use.
- 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 and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people in your community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent, plus experience with young people.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 34240 € per year.
Location: 7 North Park Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5PD
Hours: Part-time – 2 days per week
Contract: Permanent, Part Time
Salary: £25,877.80 – £34,240 per annum (Pro Rata to hours worked)
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.
Make a real difference in young people’s lives:
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to make safer, healthier choices? Do you want to help vulnerable young people reduce the impact of substance use and build positive futures? Join our team at Waythrough and play a key role in delivering specialist drug and alcohol support within the North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service.
About the Role:
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate practitioner to provide specialist substance use support to children and young people supervised by the Youth Justice Service (YJS). You will work directly with young people at risk of or currently using substances, helping them to reduce harm, improve wellbeing, and make informed choices that support long-term positive outcomes. Working collaboratively with YJS colleagues and partner agencies, you will provide advice, guidance, assessments, and interventions tailored to the needs of young people and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
- Undertake assessments for children and young people supervised by the YJS in line with local and national standards
- Provide case management including assessment, care planning, risk management, referral, discharge, and aftercare planning
- Deliver effective one-to-one interventions and support plans tailored to individual need
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide coordinated support and shared interventions
- Support children, young people, parents, carers, and families to reduce substance-related harm and improve outcomes
- Identify safeguarding concerns and follow appropriate safeguarding procedures and guidance
- Promote recovery-focused approaches and peer support opportunities for young people and families
- Attend reviews, meetings, and multi-agency discussions, providing professional advice and reports where required
- Deliver outreach, diversionary activities, and satellite advice services alongside partner agencies
- Support the delivery of priorities and targets within the Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan
- Work flexibly across operational sites, including occasional evening and weekend working where required
About You:
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Essential:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent qualification) or willingness to work towards this
- Experience working with children, young people, and families, including vulnerable young people
- Experience undertaking comprehensive assessments and risk assessments
- Understanding of evidence-based interventions including MI, PSIs, CBT, and ITEP
- Strong communication and report writing skills
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and case management systems
- Ability to work collaboratively with partner agencies and multidisciplinary teams
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and procedures
Desirable:
- Relevant professional qualification in areas such as addiction studies, youth work, counselling, social work, or therapeutic practice
- Experience delivering one-to-one and group interventions
- Experience working with young people affected by substance use within the criminal justice system
- Knowledge of best practice frameworks including NICE, DOH, NTA, NMC, Care Quality Commission, and Caldicott Standards
We are looking for people who share our workplace values of kindness, courage, and respect, and who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.
Additional Information:
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check with Adult and Child Barred List clearance. You will be expected to undertake continuing professional development, participate in supervision and appraisals, and work in line with all relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and Waythrough’s clinical governance framework.
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: 2026-06-05
Youth Justice Drug & Alcohol Practitioner employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in North Yorkshire. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values kindness, courage, and respect. Join us to be part of a passionate team that not only supports vulnerable individuals but also fosters personal growth and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Drug & Alcohol Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Waythrough and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to youth justice and mental health. Building relationships can give you insider info and even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Youth Justice Drug & Alcohol Practitioner. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Drug & Alcohol Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience with children and young people, especially in relation to substance use, and demonstrate how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Youth Justice Drug & Alcohol Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the specific challenges young people face regarding substance use. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children and young people, especially those who are vulnerable. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in similar situations, focusing on your assessment and intervention skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, ensure you listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions, showcasing your ability to engage with both young people and partner agencies.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Waythrough values kindness, courage, and respect. Reflect on how these values resonate with you and be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied them in your work. This will show that you're not just qualified but also a great cultural fit for the team.
