Aquarius Practitioner – Arrest Referral

Aquarius Practitioner - Arrest Referral

• locations
• Bristol Road (Aquarius)

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• JR009614

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

Job Title: Aquarius Practitioner – Arrest ReferralSalary: £25,842 – £27,882 per annumLocation: BirminghamHours: 37 per week (full-time, permanent – flexible working pattern required)

At Aquarius, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive. Birmingham Young People’s Service works with under 25s 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 Arrest Referral Practitioner to join our dedicated team. You’ll be based in custody suites across Birmingham, engaging directly with young people at pivotal moments. Using a person-centred approach, you’ll provide brief interventions, support young people to make positive choices, and help them connect with the right services – from health and social care, to education and youth justice.

What you’ll be doing:

• Engaging young people in police custody with empathy and professionalism
• Delivering brief interventions that empower and build resilience
• 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

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 misuse, with the commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care.
• Confidence in working with young people, including those with experience of the criminal justice system.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust quickly.
  A flexible, proactive, and resilient team player.

What we offer:

• The chance to genuinely change young 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.

Please note: This role requires police vetting – level 2 clearance.

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.

To review the Job Description please click here.

At Aquarius, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of substance misuse or recovery, and from candidates from minoritised ethnic communities to ensure our services are representative of the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities.

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 GoandAspirationsportals

• £500

  Recommend a Friendbonus

• 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: