Job Description

Senior Practitioner

Location: Birmingham

Working Hours: 37 hours per week – full time, with a 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

Our Birmingham Young People’s Service supports young people under the age of 25 who are experiencing challenges relating to alcohol, drugs, substance use, or the impact of a family member’s substance use.

We’re looking for a dynamic, motivated and compassionate Senior Practitioner to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is passionate about working with young people and families and wants to make a meaningful difference to their lives.

As a Senior Practitioner, you’ll provide high-quality, person-centred support to young people and families, using your knowledge and experience to help reduce risk, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies, offering specialist support, guidance and interventions while helping young people and families access the right support at the right time.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Senior Practitioner, you will:

• Manage a caseload of young people and families, providing high-quality, person-centred support and interventions.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with young people, families and professionals.
• Deliver brief interventions and structured support to help reduce risk, increase resilience and promote positive change.
• Provide specialist advice, guidance and support around substance use and the impact of substance use on young people and families.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to ensure young people receive coordinated and appropriate support.
• Support young people and families to access wider community, health, social care and specialist services.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality interventions and programmes of work.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records and ensure all work is delivered in line with relevant policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Work flexibly across a range of settings and, where required, evenings and weekends.
• Contribute to the wider work and development of the Birmingham Young People’s Service.
• Share your knowledge and experience with colleagues, supporting a positive culture of learning and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is experienced, confident and passionate about supporting young people and families.

You will ideally have a qualification in health and social care, youth and community work or a related discipline, such as NVQ Level 3+, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling or Addiction Studies.

We will also consider candidates with relevant experience in health and social care, education, youth work or substance use services, with a commitment to completing an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care where required.

You'll bring:

• Experience of working with young people, families or individuals with complex needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of substance use and its impact on individuals and families.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and positive relationships.
• The confidence to work collaboratively with professionals and partner agencies.
• A flexible, proactive and resilient approach.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and person-centred practice.
• The professionalism and confidence to represent Aquarius positively across the communities and services we work with.

Please see the full job description for further information about the role.

How to Apply

This is a rolling recruitment process, with interviews held as suitable candidates are shortlisted.

If you’re an experienced practitioner who is passionate about supporting young people, building resilience and helping people achieve positive change, we’d love to hear from you.

Take the next step in your career with Aquarius and join a team where the work you do can make a real and lasting difference.

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:

2026-10-07