Job Description

Senior Practitioner – CASS/MASH

Location: Birmingham

Working Hours: 37 per week (fulltime, flexible working pattern required)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: 29,468.50 - £31,795.89

Join Our Team – Make a Real Difference in Young People’s Lives!

At Aquarius, we believe every young person and their families deserves the chance to thrive. Birmingham Young People’s Service works with under 25’s who are facing challenges with alcohol, drugs, or the impact of a family member’s substance use.

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Senior Practitioner to join our dedicated team. You’ll be based in the MASH / CASS team in Birmingham, engaging directly with professionals whilst offering substance use and hidden harm specialist advice and guidance. You will also be involved in screening referrals into CASS and offering support to families. Using a person-centred approach, you’ll provide brief interventions, specialist support to social workers and help them connect with the right services to support positive change.

What you’ll be doing:

• Engaging with social workers and social work partners to offer advice, support and guidance at referral screening stages and beyond.
• Delivering brief interventions that empower and build resilience for families.
• Supporting access to wider services to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
• Working flexibly across evenings and weekends in multi-agency settings.
• Keeping accurate case records and liaising with partner organisations.
• Offering support to the wider Birmingham Young Peoples service.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (NVQ Level 3+, Dip SW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies) OR experience working in health & social care, education, or substance use services, with the commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care.
• Confidence in working with young people, families and in multi-agency settings.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust quickly.
• A person able to represent Aquarius.
• A flexible, proactive, and resilient team player.

Please see the job description here.

What we offer:

• The chance to genuinely change young peoples and families lives for the better.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities to work across a range of partner agencies.
• A permanent, stable role with scope to grow.

How to apply:

This is a rolling recruitment process – interviews will be held as suitable candidates are shortlisted. Don’t wait – apply now and take the next step in your career with Aquarius.

At Aquarius, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. If you’re passionate about supporting young people and ready for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

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:

2026-09-25