Location: 7 North Park Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5PD
Please note: this is a county-wide role and there may be opportunities to work from locations across North Yorkshire.
Hours: Part-time – 1 full day or 2 half days per week
Contract: Permanent, Part Time
Salary: £31,030 – £41,980 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.
About the Role:
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Practitioner to support the day-to-day functioning and performance of a designated service team and specialist area of service delivery.
This role is key to ensuring a positive working environment is maintained while delivering high-quality, person-centred services that meet both local need and contractual requirements.
You will support the Service/Area Manager with operational leadership, staff development, service improvement, and the delivery of effective interventions for individuals accessing support.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Lead Practitioner, you will:
Support the implementation, development, and management of specialist service delivery
Assist the Service/Area Manager in monitoring and improving processes, systems, KPIs, and quality standards
Lead on operational delivery across specific pathways, resources, and interventions
Manage, mentor, coach, and support staff and volunteers, including supervision, induction, recruitment, and performance management
Hold and manage a caseload, completing high-quality assessments, risk assessments, and support plans
Liaise effectively with professionals, partner agencies, family members, and significant others where appropriate
Maintain accurate and timely records, reports, and case management systems
Analyse service data and use findings to drive continuous improvement
Participate in local management meetings, thematic groups, and wider organisational activities
Support the implementation of organisational strategy and objectives at service level
Promote and maintain safe working practices and take responsibility for Health & Safety within the workplace
Ensure services are inclusive and accessible, particularly for underrepresented groups
Engage service users in shaping and improving future service delivery
Deputise for the Service/Area Manager when required
Support individuals to reduce substance-related harm and improve wellbeing outcomes
About You:
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Essential
NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent or above)
Experience leading and developing staff, including delivering effective supervision
Experience completing comprehensive assessments and risk assessments
Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based interventions including MI, PSIs, CBT, and ITEP
Experience maintaining confidentiality and working within professional boundaries
Knowledge and experience of relevant best practice frameworks including NICE, DOH, NTA, NMC, Care Quality Commission, and Caldicott Standards
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook
Ability to analyse and report on management information
Driving Licence
Desirable
Relevant professional qualification in areas such as addiction studies, counselling, social work, or therapeutic practice
Experience delivering one-to-one and group interventions with individuals affected by drug and alcohol use
Knowledge and experience of the Criminal Justice System
We are looking for people who share these values and are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Additional Information
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.
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.
For further information please see our Job Specification: Waythrough Job Description - Lead Practitioner NEW (002).docx
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