Lead Practitoner

Location: 128 Botcherby Avenue, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 2TX
Salary: £31,030 – £41,980 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.
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:
As a Lead Practitioner, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery and performance of a designated service team, helping to create a positive working environment and ensuring high-quality, effective support for the people who use our services.
Working closely with the Service Manager, you will lead and develop staff, support service improvements and ensure delivery meets quality standards, contractual requirements and agreed performance targets.
Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will manage a caseload, complete assessments and support plans, and work directly with individuals to help them achieve positive outcomes. You will also contribute to service development, promote accessible and inclusive support, and deputise for the Service Manager when required.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and support the day-to-day delivery of services within your designated area, ensuring high standards of quality and person-centred care.
Work with the Service Manager to monitor performance, review outcomes and improve processes to meet service requirements, contractual obligations and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Develop and deliver effective service pathways, interventions and resources that respond to the needs of the people and communities we support.
Manage, mentor and develop staff and volunteers, providing regular supervision, coaching, appraisals and performance support.
Contribute to recruitment, induction, training and staff development, supporting colleagues to build their skills and confidence.
Manage a caseload, completing comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and support plans, and working collaboratively with individuals, families and partner agencies.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear written and verbal reports to support effective case management and service delivery.
Analyse management information and service outcomes to identify trends, address challenges and drive continuous improvement.
Work collaboratively as part of the local management team, contributing to organisational initiatives, working groups and the delivery of Waythrough’s wider strategic priorities.
Promote the active involvement of service users in shaping and improving services, ensuring support is accessible and inclusive, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Take responsibility for health and safety within the working environment and ensure practice complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and clinical governance requirements.
Help reduce substance-related harm and promote positive outcomes for individuals and the wider community.
Deputise for the Service Manager or Area Manager in their absence, providing leadership and supporting continuity of service delivery.
Maintain your professional development, keeping up to date with relevant guidance, legislation and best practice.
About You:
We are looking for an experienced, supportive and motivated practitioner who can lead a team effectively while maintaining a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred support.
You will ideally have:
An NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or an equivalent or higher qualification.
Experience of leading, supporting and developing staff, including providing effective and regular supervision.
Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate others and manage competing priorities.
Experience of analysing management information, monitoring performance and producing reports.
Experience of working with people affected by drug and alcohol use and delivering evidence-based one-to-one and group interventions.
The ability to complete comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, and develop appropriate support plans.
An understanding of evidence-based interventions, including brief interventions, motivational interviewing (MI), psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioural approaches (CBT) and ITEP.
Experience of maintaining confidentiality and working within professional boundaries.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programmes, including Outlook.
A commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and continuous service improvement.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, where relevant to the service, and experience of working within recognised best-practice frameworks would also be important.
A relevant professional qualification in areas such as addiction studies, counselling, social work or therapeutic practice would be advantageous.
Above all, you will share our commitment to treating people with kindness, courage and respect, and have the confidence to lead by example, develop others and find practical solutions to challenges.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take on a rewarding leadership role where you can make a meaningful difference to both the people who use our services and the colleagues who support them.
You will have the opportunity to shape service delivery, develop your leadership skills and contribute to improvements that help people achieve better outcomes.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and use your experience to inspire others and deliver positive change, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a team making a positive difference in our communities.
To view the full job description and person specification, please CLICK HERE.
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
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