Job Description

Senior Parental Substance Misuse Practitioner

Location: Lewisham (travel across sites required)

Working Hours: Full-time (37 hours, Monday to Friday)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £28,690.00 - £37,126.37

Make a real difference in your community

PCRS and Aftercare Lewisham are seeking an experienced Senior Parental Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our innovative Family Wellbeing Team, a multi-agency partnership led by Lewisham Children's Social Care.

The team brings together professionals from substance misuse, mental health, children's social care and family support services to provide integrated support to parents whose children are subject to statutory Children's Social Care plans.

The overall aim of the Family Wellbeing Team is to improve the safety and wellbeing of children affected by parental substance misuse and mental health needs. We support parents to address their substance use, improve their mental health and wellbeing, and tackle the underlying trauma that may contribute to these challenges, enabling them to provide safe and effective care for their children.

About the Role

As the Senior Parental Substance Misuse Practitioner, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions to parents within the service. You will undertake comprehensive assessments, develop person-centred care plans, and provide effective health and psychosocial interventions to support recovery and positive family outcomes.

You will also provide line management and supervision to the Parental Substance Misuse Recovery Worker, ensuring high standards of practice and professional development within the team. Working alongside Children's Social Care, Mental Health Practitioners, Family Practitioners and other partner agencies, you will contribute to integrated assessments, shared care planning and coordinated interventions that promote positive outcomes for families.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments and develop evidence-based care plans for parents experiencing drug and/or alcohol misuse.
• Deliver effective health and psychosocial interventions to support sustained recovery.
• Motivate and engage parents during the early stages of treatment, supporting them to access and remain engaged with substance misuse services.
• Provide line management and supervision to the Parental Substance Misuse Recovery Worker.
• Work collaboratively within the multi-agency Family Wellbeing Team, contributing to shared assessments, care planning, case discussions and group supervision.
• Liaise closely with Children's Social Care, Mental Health Services and other partner agencies to ensure effective service delivery, safeguarding and discharge planning.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

About You

• We are looking for an experienced practitioner with a strong background in working with adults affected by drug and/or alcohol misuse. You will be passionate about supporting families, confident in multi-agency working and committed to achieving better outcomes for children and parents.
• You will have:
• Experience of assessing and supporting adults with substance misuse needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience of delivering evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
• Excellent partnership-working and communication skills.
• Experience of supervising or managing staff is desirable.
• A flexible approach and willingness to travel across Lewisham sites as required.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative integrated service, working alongside experienced professionals to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families affected by parental substance misuse.

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.

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:

2026-10-09