Complex Needs Practitioner (Birmingham)

Recovery Focus; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance (3× salary)

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

Cycle to Work

Blue Light/Card discounts

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a Complex Needs Practitioner in Birmingham to support young people aged 17–25 facing substance use, mental health challenges and other complex needs. The role is 37 hours, full-time, on-site with a permanent contract and a salary range of £27,751.12 to £29,944.50.

You will work with a dedicated Young People’s Team, using a person-centred approach to help individuals set goals, build resilience and access multi‑agency services.

Qualifications

• Experience within health or social care, ideally with young people.
• Ability to work with individuals with complex needs and dual diagnoses.
• Proven ability to build trust and maintain boundaries in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Support young people aged 17–25 using a person-centred, strengths-based approach.
• Identify goals, reduce risk and help develop skills, confidence and resilience.
• Coordinate across community and multi-agency settings; respond to referrals from health, social care, education and justice.

Skills

Empathy

Self-starter

Collaborative

Team player

Resilience

Job description

Complex Needs Practitioner Location: Birmingham Working Hours: 37 hours (full time) Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £27,751.12 - £29,944.50

Make a Difference in a Young Person’s Life

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges, build resilience and achieve positive change? We’re looking for an energetic, confident and motivated Complex Needs Practitioner to join our Young People’s Team in Birmingham, supporting young people aged 17–25 who may be experiencing substance misuse, mental health difficulties and a range of other complex needs. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team where your work can make a genuine difference to young people, helping them to build on their strengths, overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes.

About the Role

As a Complex Needs Practitioner, you will work alongside young people using a person-centred and strengths-based approach, helping them to identify their goals, reduce risk and develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to move forward positively.

You will support young people who may be experiencing multiple risk factors alongside substance use, including those who have been affected by a parent’s substance misuse.

Working as part of the Young People’s Team, you will build trusting relationships with young people and provide a range of interventions tailored to their individual needs.

You’ll work flexibly across the community and within multi-agency partnership settings, responding to referrals from a variety of services including health, social care, education and criminal justice.

• Substance misuse and reducing associated risks
• Mental and emotional health
• Homelessness and housing instability
• Family relationships and family work
• Exploitation and vulnerability
• Physical health and wellbeing
• Education, social care and wider support needs
• Building resilience, independence and positive support networks

No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to work creatively with young people, families and partner agencies to find solutions that work for each individual.

You’ll be part of a supportive wider team, contributing to a positive, strengths-based approach to working with young people and helping to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is positive, resilient and confident, with the ability to build strong and meaningful relationships with young people who may have multiple and complex needs.

You’ll be an enthusiastic self-starter who is comfortable working independently while also being a collaborative member of a wider team.

You will have proven experience within health or social care, ideally including experience of working with young people and supporting individuals experiencing mental ill health and/or substance misuse.

Most importantly, you’ll bring empathy, energy and a genuine belief in the potential of young people to make positive changes in their lives.

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

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: [e-mail]

Closing Date: 2026-10-02

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. In April 2026, Aquarius, our former subsidiary partner, merged with Waythrough. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have 260 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 130,000 people.