At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery from substance use and promote community connections.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, professional development, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help them build a brighter future.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards it.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 34240 £ per year.
Hours: 37 Hours per week, Monday to Friday between 08:00 - 16:00
Location: HMP Low Newton, Finchale Avenue, Durham, DH1 5YA - Outreach work within the community is also required as part of this role.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240
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.
About the role
Waythrough is proud to be a provider within Reconnected to Health, delivering a drug and alcohol recovery service across all seven North East Prison establishments. Led by Spectrum Community Health CIC, Reconnected to Health is delivered by Spectrum, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust and Waythrough to provide holistic, collaborative care to men and women in custody across the region. We provide drug and alcohol recovery co-ordination, psychosocial interventions, and continuity of care planning within the integrated prison healthcare system. We work with community services throughout the country and have excellent links with all Northeast community drug and alcohol services.
Reconnected to Health offers support to residents within a secure setting to recover from drug and/or alcohol dependence. The aim of the Healthcare Navigation Reconnect Service is to reduce health related barriers that directly impact on the individuals engagement prior to, and upon leaving prison; to reduce health inequalities and address the health and wellbeing of low to medium risk of offending behaviours. As a Reconnect Navigator, you will promote continuity of care support for those leaving prison, encouraging positive and sustainable connections for service users within their local communities and building recovery capital assets.
Please note it is required that you have a full valid UK driving license and have access to your own vehicle for this role.
What we are looking for
- NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programmes
- Sound understanding and competence of interventions including brief interventions MI, PSIs, CBT and ITEP.
- Knowledge of the substance misuse field, models of recovery and issues relating to recovery planning.
- Ability to carry out assessment and recovery planning and risk management plans
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 contact our recruitment team.
Reconnect Navigator in Durham employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reconnect Navigator in Durham
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 All The Top Bananas!
✨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 All The Top Bananas, 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 All The Top Bananas 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 Reconnect Navigator in Durham
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 All The Top Bananas:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to All The Top Bananas! 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 All The Top Bananas
✨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.
