Aquarius Practitioner – Arrest Referral: A Rewarding Career Opportunity in Birmingham

Are you seeking a role where you can make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people? The Aquarius Practitioner – Arrest Referral position in Birmingham presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with young individuals at critical junctures, offering support and guidance that can steer them towards a brighter future. This role is more than just a job; it's a chance to contribute meaningfully to community well-being.

At Aquarius, a subsidiary of Waythrough, the mission is clear: to empower young people under 25 who are navigating challenges related to alcohol, drugs, or the impact of substance use within their families. As an Arrest Referral Practitioner, you will be at the forefront of this vital work, operating within police custody suites across Birmingham. This dynamic environment allows you to connect with young people when they are most receptive to change, offering crucial brief interventions and support to foster positive choices and connect them with essential services.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Professionals:

• Direct Impact and Meaningful Contribution: This role offers the unparalleled satisfaction of directly influencing the lives of young people, helping them to overcome adversity and build resilience.
• Dynamic and Engaging Work Environment: Your base will be within police custody suites, requiring a proactive and adaptable approach. You will engage with a diverse range of young people in a fast-paced setting.
• Person-Centred Approach: A core tenet of this role is providing empathetic, individualized support. You will develop strong skills in active listening, motivational interviewing, and building rapport quickly.
• Comprehensive Support Network: You will be instrumental in connecting young people to a wide array of services, including health and social care, education, and youth justice, broadening your understanding of integrated support systems.
• Professional Development and Growth: Aquarius is committed to your growth, offering ongoing training and professional development opportunities. This role provides a stable, permanent position with scope for career advancement within the organisation.
• Collaborative Team Environment: Join a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to making a difference. You will also have the chance to work with and learn from a variety of partner agencies.
• Flexible Working Patterns: The role requires flexibility to work across evenings and weekends, accommodating the needs of the service and the young people you will support.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Qualifications and Experience: While formal qualifications in health/social care, youth and community work (NVQ Level 3+, Dip SW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies) are desirable, Aquarius also welcomes applications from individuals with significant experience in health & social care, education, or substance misuse, who are willing to commit to obtaining an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
• Resilience and Empathy: This role involves working with young people who may have experienced challenging circumstances, including involvement with the criminal justice system. A high degree of empathy, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure are essential.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Building trust rapidly and communicating effectively with young people, colleagues, and partner agencies is paramount.
• Commitment to Ongoing Learning: The nature of the work and the evolving landscape of support services necessitate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Police Vetting: Please note that this position requires successful completion of Police Vetting (Level 2 clearance).
• Embracing Diversity: Aquarius is actively committed to increasing diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from candidates with lived experience and/or from BAME backgrounds.

This is a rolling recruitment process, meaning positions are filled as suitable candidates are identified. If you are driven by a desire to create positive change and possess the skills and dedication to support vulnerable young people, we encourage you to explore this exciting career opportunity with Aquarius.