Safeguarding Families Together
Location: Dorset
Working Hours: 37 hours
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,867 - £32,090
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Specialist Substance Misuse Practitioner to join our Safeguarding Families Together 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
Key Responsibilities
Deliver specialist substance misuse interventions with parents and carers where drug and alcohol use is impacting child safety, using motivational, harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches to reduce risk and strengthen parenting capacity.
Provide expert safeguarding consultation to Children’s Services colleagues, informing risk assessment, relapse planning, and integrated child-focused safety planning within CIN and CP frameworks.
Drive timely access to treatment and system coordination, ensuring safeguarding plans and adult treatment pathways are aligned and responsive.
Embed strengths-based and whole-family practice within multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to shared formulations, proactive contingency planning, and effective multi-agency decision-making.
Promote high-quality professional standards and workforce development, through coaching, reflective practice, accurate recording, and adherence to safeguarding, governance and organisational requirements.
About You
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.
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:
2026-05-13