Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner

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.

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. 

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Do you want to be part of a service that creates meaningful change in the lives of children and young people?

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our Branching Out Team in Calderdale. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a Child First Youth Justice

System, supporting children and young people to make informed choices, build resilience, and reduce the impact of substance misuse on their lives.

This post is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of up to a further 2 years’ funding extension, subject to continued funding.

We are committed to supporting both service delivery and staff wellbeing. Working hours can be flexible, and will be agreed in line with service needs to ensure the best outcomes for young people and families.

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our Branching Out Team in Calderdale.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a Child First Youth Justice System, supporting children and young people to make informed choices, build resilience, and reduce the impact of substance misuse on their lives. The role is predominantly based within the Youth Justice Service (YJS) while working collaboratively across co-located services at The Orange Box Young People's Centre.

As a Young Persons Substance Misuse Practitioner, you will:

• Provide specialist drug and alcohol treatment, assessments, and interventions for children and young people aged 10–21.
• You will manage a caseload, deliver structured one-to-one and group interventions, and take a strengths-based approach to supporting young people to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• You will work closely with young people, families, Youth Justice colleagues, and wider partner agencies to help young people understand the impact of substance use.
• Support young people to access education, employment, training, and community opportunities.
• Explore links between substance misuse and offending behaviour, and build the resilience and skills needed to make positive, informed choices.
• Maintain accurate case records in line with organisational and contractual requirements
• Stay up to date with safeguarding responsibilities, legislation, and emerging trends in substance misuse

• Experience working with children and young people and an understanding of their challenges
• Experience of drug and alcohol-related work and an understanding of the problems associated with substance use, knowledge of drug issues and relevant legislation
• An understanding of safeguarding procedures and legislation relating to children and vulnerable individuals
• Strong communication, assessment, and relationship-building skills
• Experience working collaboratively in multi-agency or multidisciplinary settings
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

• Relevant qualification in youth work, substance misuse, social work, or related field
• Experience delivering family-focused interventions
• Experience facilitating group work and therapeutic interventions
• Experience completing assessments, recovery planning, and risk management plans

To view the full job and person specification, please click here.

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: