Senior Worker/ Practitioner

Exciting Opportunity: Senior Worker / Practitioner (Criminal Justice)

Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Client: Change Grow Live (CGL)

Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

Position Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until end of March 2028), Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £32,802.41 - £35,069.56 Per Annum (CGL points 28 to 30)

Closing Date: 20th October 2026 (Interview Date: 3rd November 2026)

About the Role

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Change Grow Live (CGL) to recruit an experienced and motivated Senior Criminal Justice Practitioner to join their Sunderland service.

In this exciting leadership-focused role, you will provide operational support and specialist guidance within the Criminal Justice Substance Misuse Team. Working closely with the Project Manager, you will remain closely connected to frontline practice while driving innovation, managing complex, high-risk cases, and mentoring Recovery Coordinators. You will also strengthen vital multi-agency partnerships across probation, prisons, courts, police, and local safeguarding networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Support: Provide day-to-day operational oversight, assist with performance management, and deputise for the Project Manager when required.

• Complex Case Management: Act as a specialist resource for frontline staff, offering expert consultation on high-risk, complex, and safeguarding cases.

• Workforce Development: Coach, mentor, and provide practice guidance to Criminal Justice Recovery Coordinators to promote a culture of learning and excellent service delivery.

• Quality Assurance & Partnerships: Conduct case file audits and quality assurance activities while building strong relationships with key external stakeholders (Probation, Courts, Police, and Prison teams).

Essential Criteria

• Experience: Significant experience working within substance misuse and/or criminal justice services, managing complex cases involving risk and safeguarding.

• Skills & Knowledge: Strong understanding of recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed approaches, and multi-agency intervention frameworks.

• Communication & Organisation: Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and organisational skills, with the ability to balance operational priorities while maintaining a focus on quality.

• Requirements: Passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by substance misuse and criminal justice involvement. Must hold the legal Right to Work in the UK (note: this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check).

Key Benefits & Perks

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 30 days.

• Wellbeing Support: Dedicated weekly 'Wellness' hour, access to a Wellness hub, and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

• Financial & Career Support: Contributory pension scheme, extensive training, leadership development, progression opportunities, and a generous refer-a-friend scheme.

Key Dates & Next Steps

• Closing Date for Applications: 20th October 2026

• Interview Date: 3rd November 2026

Note: Change Grow Live reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. Early application is strongly recommended.