Head of Harm Reduction and Engagement

Salary: Band G £40,270 to £47,828 per annum, full-time equivalent (based on 37.5 hours per week)

Location: Hybrid – Southampton base with remote working opportunity

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 32 to 37.5 hours per week – happy to talk flexible working

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd June 2025

About us

No Limits is the leading youth services charity in Southampton, supporting children and young people in the city and across Hampshire.

At No Limits, it is important our staff and volunteers reflect, represent, and have experience of the challenges faced by the children and young people we support. We are proud of and appreciate our many staff and volunteers who use their own lived experience to support the children and young people they work with.

With this in mind, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work and organisational culture – and when recruiting, it’s important to us that we continue diversifying our staff and volunteer teams, with children and young people at the centre of everything we do. You can learn more about our DEI approach here.

When we talk about talent, we value the transferrable skills and experiences you can bring to No Limits, whether through work (in the same or a different sector), volunteering, or personal experiences. To make sure we get the best talent on our team, we are open to and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community, including diverse ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodiverse individuals.

About the role

We’re looking for a dynamic and motivated leader to head up our harm reduction, outreach and engagement services – making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable and marginalised young people. 

As Head of Harm Reduction and Engagement, you’ll lead our Drug & Alcohol Support Hub (DASH) service, detached outreach provision and youth justice support – while driving innovation in youth empowerment, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and new service models. You’ll be our subject expert in harm reduction, criminal justice, and engagement with vulnerable and marginalised young people.

You’ll play a key role as part of our Senior Management Team, and lead a passionate, experienced team delivering critical services to young people across Southampton and Hampshire. You will also lead on maintaining strong strategic partnerships, including with our substance use lead provider, Change Grow Live.

Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Leading and managing our DASH service, detached team, and young people’s link workers
• Overseeing delivery of effective, evidence-led services that meet contractual and community needs
• Driving our organisational response to DEI in service delivery
• Supporting innovation and emerging projects such as Alternative Provision
• Leading strategic partnerships with statutory, voluntary and community organisations
• Representing No Limits externally as a senior manager and subject expert
• Managing teams, budgets, quality assurance, safeguarding, and development of new services

We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and young people we work with, and as such, you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the No Limits ethos. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount.

We particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those who have had experiences similar to the young people we aim to support. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where people can be their authentic selves, where their experiences and opinions are valued, and we are all open to learning from each other.

As part of our team, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction and access to learning and development opportunities relevant to your role, supporting your ongoing growth.

You’ll have the essentials of:

• Proven experience in developing and managing services in harm reduction, substance use, youth crime prevention or community settings
• Experience managing teams and delivering outcomes across multidisciplinary areas
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk, youth participation and co-production
• Strong knowledge of DEI in youth/community services
• Ability to lead partnerships and represent your service area internally and externally
• Confident communicator and able to lead with influence

Please let us know if we can support you with any reasonable adjustments at any point prior to, during or after the selection process, such as access arrangements, flexible working, or a suitable place to pray.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you!

To apply now, please refer to the support pack below and submit your CV and cover letter outlining your motivation for applying along with your relevant experience, qualifications and achievements via the apply button below, by the deadline of 9am on Monday 23rd June.

Interview date: Week commencing 30th June 2025

We’d be happy to have an informal discussion and answer any immediate questions you might have. If you’d like an initial discussion please contact People Team by email at people@nolimitshelp.org.uk.