Senior Safeguarding Families Worker

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. 

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Specialist Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our Safeguarding Families Together (SFT) model, working within Children’s Services locality teams across Dorset.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to bring specialist drug and alcohol expertise directly into safeguarding teams — supporting parents and carers whose substance use is impacting parenting capacity and child safety.

You will play a vital role in identifying risk earlier, engaging families compassionately, and reducing escalation into Child Protection and care proceedings, all while contributing to a whole-family, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary safeguarding team, you will collaborate with social workers, domestic abuse practitioners, mental health professionals and specialists working to reduce harmful behaviours.

While statutory safeguarding responsibility remains with Children’s Services, you will hold a parent-focused caseload and provide specialist expertise to strengthen safeguarding planning and improve outcomes for children.

This role combines:

• Direct work with families

• Specialist consultation to social workers and managers

• Rapid access to treatment pathways

• Workforce development and reflective practice support

• →

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience working in drug and alcohol services.

• Understands the impact of parental substance misuse on child development and safety.

• Is confident working within safeguarding frameworks.

• Can engage ambivalent or resistant parents using motivational and trauma-informed approaches.

• Is comfortable offering consultation and professional challenge within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Holds a full UK driving licence and access to a roadworthy vehicle.

To view the full Job Description, 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: