Complex Needs YP Practitioner reference: JR009606

## Opportunity Review: Complex Needs Practitioner with Birmingham Young People Service This review provides an in-depth look at the **Complex Needs Practitioner** role offered by the Birmingham Young People Service, aiming to equip potential candidates with a clear understanding of this impactful career opportunity.

The Birmingham Young People Service is dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centred support to young people aged 10-25 who are navigating challenges related to alcohol and substance misuse. This includes supporting those whose lives are affected by a family member's struggles. This role presents a unique chance to directly contribute to empowering young individuals to reduce risks, build resilience, and achieve positive life outcomes.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly support vulnerable young people and contribute to positive social change within the community.
• Diverse Caseload: Engage with a varied range of referral pathways including health, social care, education, youth provision, and criminal justice, offering broad experience.
• Professional Development: The organization is committed to learning and development, offering opportunities for apprenticeships to enhance skills and qualifications.
• Organisational Strength: Join a well-established charity, now part of Waythrough, a significant national group dedicated to providing joined-up support services across mental health, housing, and drug and alcohol use. This offers stability and a wider professional network.
• Career Progression: Experience within this role can pave the way for further opportunities within the broader Waythrough organisation.
• Commitment to Diversity: Applications are actively encouraged from individuals with lived experience and/or from BAME backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Flexible Working: This role requires a flexible approach, including working days, evenings, and weekends across the community and within multi-agency settings. A commitment to a flexible working pattern is essential.
• Qualifications/Experience: Candidates should possess a qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or above, Dip SW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies). Alternatively, relevant experience in health & social care, education, or substance misuse fields, coupled with a commitment to obtaining NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care, will be considered.
• Essential Skills: Proven experience in liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies, health professionals, and effectively engaging with clients in diverse settings is a prerequisite. Strong record-keeping and report-writing skills are also vital.
• Outreach Focus: While there is a central hub base, a significant aspect of the role involves outreach work within the community.
• Rolling Recruitment: The recruitment process is ongoing, with candidates being interviewed as they are shortlisted.

For aspiring professionals in the health and social care sector, this position offers a rewarding career path with the opportunity to make a tangible difference. The emphasis on person-centred support, coupled with a commitment to professional growth and the backing of a large, reputable organisation, makes this an attractive prospect for those dedicated to supporting young people.