At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in custody with guidance and tailored support for successful reintegration.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in the criminal justice sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while gaining valuable experience in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care, mentoring, or community outreach is preferred; recent graduates welcome.
Join Our CFO Evolution Team: Custody Support Worker Opportunity
We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Custody Support Worker to join our CFO Evolution team and make a real difference in the lives of individuals in custody. In this role, you’ll support a caseload of participants within a prison environment starting from initial engagement and assessment and continuing throughout their sentence. You’ll provide motivational guidance and tailored support to help participants stay engaged, overcome personal challenges, and prepare for successful reintegration into the community.
Support is delivered through a mix of one to one sessions and group interventions, with a strong focus on pre-release planning to ensure a smooth transition back into society. We’re ideally looking for someone with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Probation services supporting individuals under supervision or on license
- Social care working with vulnerable adults or young people
- Prison or custody settings with a focus on rehabilitation or reintegration
- Substance misuse or mental health services involving motivational support or mentoring
- Community outreach and housing support
We also welcome applications from recent graduates who are eager to gain experience in the criminal justice sector and make a meaningful impact. This is a rewarding opportunity that will allow you to help our participants change their lives around!
In return for your dedication, knowledge, and commitment, we offer a competitive salary of £25,877- £29,000 per annum (dependent on experience) with these great benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays + Birthday Day off (with the opportunity to buy an additional 5 days)
- 2 Volunteer Days
- Pension - 5% Employee 5% Employer
- Healthcare Cash Plan, incl. 3 x salary life assurance
- Annual salary pay review
- Refer a friend scheme
- Free access to Benefit Hub - an online portal with access to a wide range of retail discounts, cycle to work scheme, and additional voluntary benefits
Interested? There’s an easy to apply route below to upload your CV! If you need any further information, talk to our experienced Internal Recruitment Team.
Communities Division is part of an employee-owned organisation and we continually pride ourselves on our sense of community, both in the incredible work we do throughout UK and Ireland. People are at the front, centre and heart of every service we provide and each decision we make.
Location: HMP Erlestoke
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 17 June 2026
Key Responsibilities
- Meet individual performance targets and contribute towards meeting team performance targets in line with contractual requirements.
- Closely collaborate with volunteer peer mentors and/or mentors to help you manage your caseload more effectively and connect participants with resources for housing, substance use, physical and mental health, etc.
- Individually and as a team member, contribute towards a learning environment in which all colleagues are enabled to develop their skills and experience, and engage in activities to share best practice.
- To ensure effective case management and co-ordination of risk with a particular focus on safeguarding of adults and children. This includes the timely notification of concerns regarding change in individual risk to the Probation Service and adhering to systems, policies and procedures to support the management of risk.
- Ensure all contractual targets are met.
Skills & Experience
- IAG Level 3 - desirable
- Experience managing a caseload of participants - desirable
- Knowledge of inputting and retrieving electronic data and maintain computer-based information systems in an accurate and timely manner. Experience in a target-driven environment.
- Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to relate to people at all levels and in a variety of settings.
- Ability to motivate and sustain engagement of individuals.
CFO Evolution - Custody Support worker - (HMP Erlestoke) employer: Communities and Education
Join a dedicated team as an Accommodation Support Officer in Lancashire, where your passion for making a difference will be valued and nurtured. Our employee-owned organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises personal growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you thrive in your role. With competitive benefits including generous annual leave, a healthcare cash plan, and a strong sense of community, we are committed to empowering our employees to create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO Evolution - Custody Support worker - (HMP Erlestoke)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the criminal justice sector, especially those who work in custody support or rehabilitation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to custody support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine, so be ready to share your passion for helping others!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations. Whether it’s through mentoring or community outreach, we love to see real-life applications of your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits right there.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO Evolution - Custody Support worker - (HMP Erlestoke)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Custody Support Worker role. Highlight any relevant experience in probation services, social care, or rehabilitation to show us you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting individuals in custody and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working closely with participants, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can relate to people at all levels!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Communities and Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Custody Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges that come with supporting individuals in custody. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about empathy and support. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've helped others overcome challenges. Whether it's through social care or mentoring, highlight your ability to connect with vulnerable individuals and motivate them towards positive change.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a difficult participant or collaborating with peer mentors. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.