Harm Reduction Specialist

We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Harm Reduction Specialist to lead and shape harm reduction across Calderdale. This is a unique opportunity to take a strategic and operational lead in delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions that reduce drug and alcohol-related harm particularly for those most at risk. You'll play a key role in developing innovative approaches, influencing practice across the system, and ensuring our services reach those who need them most including individuals not currently engaged in treatment. What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the development and delivery of harm reduction strategy across the service
• Designing and implementing interventions such as needle exchange, naloxone distribution, and overdose prevention initiatives
• Using data and local intelligence to respond to emerging drug trends and risks
• Embedding harm reduction across all service pathways, including outreach and criminal justice
• Managing and developing staff, including Recovery Navigators and volunteers
• Building strong partnerships with public health, hospitals, housing, and criminal justice services
• Delivering training to staff and external partners on harm reduction and emerging trends
• Supporting peer-led initiatives and involving people with lived experience in service design
  
  We're looking for someone who combines operational experience with strategic thinking, and who is passionate about reducing harm and saving lives.
You'll bring:
• Experience in substance misuse services or a related field
• Strong knowledge of harm reduction approaches and best practice
• Experience leading or developing services, projects, or interventions
• Confidence analysing data and using insights to improve outcomes
• Experience managing or supervising staff
• Excellent partnership and stakeholder engagement skills
Qualifications:
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) - essential (or willingness to work towards)
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. addiction, counselling, social work) - desirable
  
  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.


• Be part of an organisation committed to innovation and evidence-based practice
• Work alongside passionate, multidisciplinary teams
• Access ongoing development, leadership support, and training
• Make a genuine impact on reducing drug-related deaths and improving lives
A Realistic View of the Role This is a high-impact but demanding role. You'll be working with complex systems, high-risk populations, and evolving challenges such as emerging drug trends. In return, you'll have the opportunity to drive real change, influence practice, and improve outcomes at both an individual and system level. 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.