At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals affected by gambling harm through outreach and personalised interventions.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and empower people towards recovery.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and social care, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach.
The predicted salary is between 25878 - 29942 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands
Working Hours: 37 hours (full-time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,878 - £29,942
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about supporting people affected by gambling-related harm and engaging those who may find it difficult to access support? We help people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We are looking for multiple Outreach Practitioners to join our Gambling Prevention Team, helping people access the right support at the right time.
This is an exciting opportunity to work directly within communities, building relationships with individuals, families and partner organisations to improve access to gambling support services and empower people to make positive, lasting changes.
About the Role
As an Outreach Practitioner, you will work across a range of community settings, delivering outreach, assessments and person-centred interventions to adults, children and young people who are experiencing gambling-related harm, as well as those affected by someone else's gambling. You'll engage with people who may be vulnerable, socially excluded or reluctant to access traditional services, providing compassionate, non-judgemental support and helping them navigate a pathway towards recovery. Working alongside a wide range of statutory and voluntary partners, you'll play a vital role in raising awareness of gambling-related harm and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
What You’ll Do
- Deliver outreach, assessments and personalised interventions for individuals affected by gambling-related harm across community and partner settings.
- Engage with individuals and communities building trusted relationships that encourage sustained engagement with support services and aid in overcoming the stigma often associated to gambling.
- Work collaboratively with health professionals, local authorities and voluntary organisations to provide coordinated, holistic support.
- Promote awareness of gambling-related harm through outreach activities, partnership working and community engagement.
- Provide training to professionals, and deliver workshops.
- Maintain accurate case records, manage risk effectively and ensure safeguarding, confidentiality and professional standards are upheld at all times.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- Experience working within gambling support, substance misuse, homelessness, mental health or another health and social care setting.
- A good understanding of gambling-related harm, safeguarding and person-centred approaches to support.
- Experience engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and working effectively with partner agencies.
- Strong communication, organisational and IT skills, including experience maintaining accurate case records.
- A flexible approach with a willingness to travel across the service area. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.
We're looking for someone who is approachable, proactive and committed to improving outcomes for people affected by gambling-related harm.
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: 2026-08-12
Outreach Practitioner (West Midlands) employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to impactful change, we offer a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and various well-being initiatives, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about guiding individuals towards recovery. Join us in a role where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Practitioner (West Midlands)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Waythrough.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Waythrough!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Waythrough, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Waythrough or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Practitioner (West Midlands)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Waythrough:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Waythrough! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
