At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges with mental health and substance use in various community settings.
- Company: Join Aquarius, a leading charity making a real difference since 1977.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while building lasting relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or community support; relevant qualifications are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25089 - 27069 £ per year.
Salary: £25,089 - £27,069
Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Contract Type: Permanent, 37 Hours
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Aquarius
Aquarius Action Projects is a long-established charity (since 1977) based in Birmingham with a national reach of contracts and Partnerships. Aquarius is a subsidiary of Waythrough – a large charity that specialises in mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. 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.
Key Duties
- Deliver advice, brief interventions and motivational support to young people and adults affected by drug and alcohol use.
- Facilitate group programmes and training sessions for service users and professionals.
- Provide support across multiple community settings such as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, youth services, arrest referral environments and Aquarius offices.
- Complete accurate client records, reports and data returns in line with organisational and contractual requirements.
- Work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure joined‑up care and effective safeguarding.
- Engage service users through flexible, accessible and age‑appropriate approaches.
- Promote harm reduction, recovery and wellbeing throughout all interactions.
- Contribute to the overall development of the service, including outreach initiatives and partnership-building activities.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding policies and working practices.
- Travel to various community venues as required for appointments and group delivery (driving licence and car desirable).
About You
You will be an energetic, confident and self‑motivated practitioner who is passionate about supporting young people and adults affected by substance misuse. Alongside strong interpersonal and communication skills, you will bring:
Essential qualities & experience:
- Experience working with young people or adults in an addictions, social care, education, youth work or community‑support setting.
- Good understanding of substance misuse, health‑related issues and harm reduction.
- Ability to engage individuals in a variety of environments, adapting your style to meet diverse needs.
- Experience working with external partners such as schools, healthcare services or voluntary agencies.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage records, data and reports accurately.
- A flexible, proactive approach to outreach and service delivery.
- Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding and inclusive practice.
Qualifications:
A qualification in health or social care, youth work, counselling, community work or a related field (e.g. NVQ Level 3+, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling or Addiction Studies). OR relevant experience within the substance misuse field, along with a willingness to complete NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care.
Desirable:
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for community travel.
- Lived experience of recovery or experience as part of a community affected by substance misuse or inequality.
Applicants from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
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
At Aquarius, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of substance use or recovery, and from candidates from minoritised ethnic communities. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities to ensure our services are representative of the communities we serve. 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
How to apply
If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application.
Closing date: 2026-03-07
Outreach Practitioner employer: Waythrough
At Aquarius, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, while our generous benefits package, including 27 days of annual leave and enhanced sick pay, ensures our staff feel valued and appreciated. Join us in Birmingham, where you can contribute to vital outreach initiatives and be part of a diverse team committed to promoting recovery and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Aquarius and Waythrough, their values, and the communities they serve. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to mental health and community support. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to outreach and support work. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to hear your stories and how you've made an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your passion for helping others.
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Outreach Practitioner. We want to see your passion for helping others and how you can make a difference in our community.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to substance misuse, social care, or community support. We love seeing how you've engaged with diverse groups and made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! This ensures your application gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues around substance misuse and mental health. Familiarise yourself with Aquarius Action Projects and their mission. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to engage with young people or adults in challenging situations. Highlight any experience you have in community settings, as this is crucial for the Outreach Practitioner role.
✨Be Personable
As an Outreach Practitioner, building relationships is key. Practice your interpersonal skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt your communication style to meet diverse needs and engage effectively with service users.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team. Consider asking about their outreach initiatives or how they measure success in their programmes.
