Young People's Practitioner

Location: Northampton
Working Hours: 37 hours (full time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,229.63- £28,300

Make a real difference in your community

Do you want to work as part of a Dynamic and engaging team supporting Young People in Northampton?

Due to project expansion, Aquarius Young People’s Substance misuse team are recruiting for several Young People’s Practitioners across the county.

Aquarius has been providing structured and targeted interventions to young people engaging in, at risk of substance misuse or affected by parental substance misuse for many years.

The post holder will work on an outreach basis, including visiting schools, colleges & universities, places of worship, youth service provisions & local community venues. Raising the profile of substance misuse services available to young people and also providing young people with that first point of contact providing advice and further direction into accessing the right support, particularly targeting outreach to engage 'difficult -to-reach' young people.

Holding relevant experience with skills or qualifications in either substance misuse/youth work/psychology/counselling/ mental health/social care

you will also:

• Have experience of working with at risk/vulnerable people in a community setting
• Be able to deliver group work
• Be knowledgeable about: safeguarding children, confidentiality, consent and mental capacity and Hidden Harm
• Adopt a flexible approach to work - hours and locations

In return, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Generous annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities and Career Progression
• Generous Contributory Pension scheme

This is a permanent full-time role requiring the post-holder to work 37 hours per week. Working hours will be Monday - Friday, including some weekend and evening shift patterns.

To review the job description, please click here.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.

This is a rolling recruitment process; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.

It is a mandatory requirement of the application process for this post that candidates submit a CV and Supporting Statement, thus only candidates that provide this, and who meet the essential criteria within the person specification, will be considered for an interview.

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 provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 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 

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: [email protected] 

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.  

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: [email protected]  

How to apply  

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to submit your application.  

Closing date: