Substance Misuse & Rehabilitation Team Leader

ABOUT SUPPORT WHEN IT MATTERS ENTERPRISE CIC (SWIM)

Founded in Hackney, London in 2019, Support When It Matters Enterprise CIC is a social enterprise with a mission: to improve the life chances of African/Caribbean and Dual Heritage communities in London.

We work with adults facing complex challenges – including
homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, and contact with the criminal justice system – delivering trauma-informed, culturally competent support to reduce reoffending and promote resilience.

SWIM’s supported housing services play a critical role in that mission – offering more than just a roof. They provide a therapeutic, structured environment for people to begin their recovery journey, access wraparound support, and take steps toward independence.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Staff well-being and effective team leadership is important in every single organisation. But it’s never more important than when the team you’re leading is providing life-changing recovery support to people who really need it.

SWIM is looking for a values-driven Substance Misuse & Rehabilitation Team Leader to provide hands-on leadership that combines direct community work with team development.

This role oversees the day-to-day performance, wellbeing and professional development of a small, committed team delivering frontline support across multiple sites.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, coach, and support a multidisciplinary team through supervision, team check-ins, and fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and staff wellbeing.

Professional Development

• Identify team training needs and coordinate continuous professional development, with a focus on cultural understanding and resilience.

Direct Support Work

• Maintain a small caseload and model SWIM’s ‘walking-alongside’ practice, providing trauma-informed, person-centred support.
• Complex Case Support: Engage in safeguarding and escalations, staying attuned to systemic impacts on communities and advocating for fair, informed responses.

Service Quality Assurance

• Monitor adherence to standards and policies, support audits, and champion equity and cultural responsiveness across service delivery.

Operational Management

• Oversee rotas, shift coverage, and team coordination to ensure smooth service delivery and effective internal communication.

Data & Reporting

• Collaborate on data capture, monitor team KPIs and outcomes, and contribute to contract reporting and continuous service improvement.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience in frontline or community-based roles supporting people impacted by the criminal justice system, homelessness, or substance misuse.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor staff or volunteers, with strong understanding of trauma, systemic inequality, and the lived realities of African, Caribbean, global majority, and dual heritage communities.
• Skilled in navigating racism within professional systems, with the emotional intelligence, communication skills, and professionalism to foster inclusive, accountable teams.
• Confident in using digital tools, documenting work respectfully, and challenging systemic barriers to advocate for both service users and staff.