At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for those affected by gambling-related harm.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and support individuals in need.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25878 - 27290 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands
Working Hours: 37 hours (full-time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,878 - £27,290
Make a real difference in your community. Are you an organised, compassionate individual with excellent communication skills and a passion for helping people access the support they need? At Aquarius, we help people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We're looking for a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to join our Gambling Prevention Team, providing a welcoming, professional and supportive first point of contact for people affected by gambling-related harm. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in ensuring individuals, family members, carers and professionals receive timely advice, guidance and access to the right support.
About the Role
As a SPOC, you will be the first point of contact for our Gambling Prevention Service, managing enquiries from individuals seeking support, concerned others and professionals, making referrals, seeking training or requesting a workshop/drop in/event in their area/service. You'll provide information, complete initial screenings and assessment triage where appropriate, book appointments and ensure people are connected to the most suitable service. Alongside managing booking for and data entry for the outreach team. Working closely with practitioners and partner organisations, you'll help ensure enquiries and referrals are managed efficiently, safeguarding concerns are responded to appropriately and service users, professionals, partners receive a positive experience from their very first interaction with Aquarius.
What You’ll Do
- Respond to incoming calls, referrals and enquiries, providing a professional, compassionate and person-centred first point of contact.
- Complete initial screenings and triage assessments, arrange appointments and ensure individuals are directed to the most appropriate support.
- Manage enquiries from individuals seeking training or requesting a workshop/drop in/event in their area/service.
- Maintain accurate electronic case records and manage referrals, appointments and service information using case management systems.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to ensure safeguarding, risk management and information sharing processes are followed.
- Contribute to the smooth day-to-day operation of the service, supporting continuous improvement and delivering an excellent experience for service users and professionals.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- Experience working with vulnerable individuals within health, social care, gambling, substance misuse or a related support service.
- Excellent communication and telephone skills, with the confidence to manage sensitive conversations in a calm and professional manner.
- A good understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, risk management and person-centred support.
- Strong administrative and IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience maintaining accurate electronic records.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a busy team, managing competing priorities while maintaining a compassionate, non-judgemental approach.
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
Single Point Of Contact (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 Single Point Of Contact (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 Single Point Of Contact (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.
