Lead Practitioner
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Practitioner to join our County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in substance misuse services who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role or build on their existing management experience. You’ll play a key part in supporting the day-to-day running of the service, leading a small team, maintaining high standards of care and ensuring the people we support receive safe, effective and person-centred interventions.
Working closely with the Service Manager, you’ll help drive service quality, mentor colleagues and contribute to the ongoing development of the service while continuing to hold a small caseload.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Lead Practitioner, you’ll:
- Support the day-to-day operational management of the service and deputise for the Service Manager when required.
- Provide line management, supervision and coaching to a small team, helping colleagues develop and thrive.
- Deliver and oversee high-quality assessments, risk assessments and recovery planning.
- Maintain a small caseload, delivering evidence-based interventions to people accessing the service.
- Monitor service quality, analyse performance information and contribute towards achieving contractual targets and KPIs.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, partner agencies and stakeholders across County Durham.
- Help shape and improve service delivery, ensuring services remain accessible and responsive to local need.
- Promote a positive, supportive team culture aligned with Waythrough’s values.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people affected by drug and alcohol use and who enjoys developing others to achieve their potential.
You’ll ideally have:
- An NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent or above).
- Experience working within drug and alcohol services.
- Experience delivering evidence-based interventions and managing complex caseloads.
- Experience completing comprehensive assessments and risk assessments.
- Experience supporting or leading colleagues through supervision, coaching or line management.
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to present information and build relationships with stakeholders.
- Good IT skills and the ability to analyse and report on performance information.
- A flexible approach and willingness to travel across County Durham as required.
Management experience is desirable, but we’re also keen to hear from experienced practitioners looking to take the next step in their career.