At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in prison as they prepare for release and rehabilitation.
- Company: Ingeus, an inclusive employer committed to supporting diverse communities.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and 24/7 counselling support.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them rebuild after incarceration.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and resilience; experience with safeguarding is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28755 - 28755 £ per year.
Ingeus is an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork, the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Salary: Up to £28,755 per annum + Additional Benefits
Location: HMP Durham
Contract: Full Time Permanent
Rebuilding your life after a custodial sentence is one of the toughest challenges a person can face. With the right support, it is possible. We are looking for a dedicated Case Worker who blends compassion, resilience, organisation and flexibility to proactively support individuals on their journey toward rehabilitation.
About The Role
You will work within the prison, providing one-to-one support to a caseload of participants as they prepare for release. Typically you will work with those in the last 12 weeks of their sentence, helping them to be ready to re-enter society, overcome barriers, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward rehabilitation. You will also promote engagement with our community hubs post‑release and work closely with pre‑release and through‑the‑gate teams to ensure a smooth transition.
What You'll Be Doing
- Build genuine, trusting, and non‑judgemental relationships with participants, creating a safe space for personal growth.
- Set and review goals, ensuring accurate and timely recording.
- Formulate detailed action plans identifying specific needs and barriers, and determine the support required for transition.
- Manage a caseload of multiple individuals, balancing their needs while keeping up with related administration.
- Engage stakeholders across the prison, generate referrals to the programme, and influence the wider prison community.
What We Are Looking For
- Excellent communication skills—engagement, motivation, persuasion, and listening to build strong connections.
- Safeguarding awareness and the ability to identify safeguarding risks, supported by the organisation following any challenging interventions.
- Strong IT and administrative skills, keeping meticulous records to measure client progress and ensure effective interventions.
- Resilience; capable of staying committed and seeing things through despite long‑term results.
Additional Requirements
Whilst we welcome applications from those with lived experience, this role requires an enhanced DBS check and HMPPS EL1 vetting. Due to the time required to complete these checks, successful candidates will be offered a start date at least six weeks from the point of job offer to allow sufficient time for all necessary pre‑employment clearances.
Benefits
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to trade for additional leave.
- EAP support programme available 24/7, including six free counselling sessions.
- Private medical insurance and life assurance.
- Up to two days of Community Giving (volunteering) each year to support a cause that matters to you.
- Eyecare vouchers for glasses or eye care.
- Online shopping discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme and travel season ticket loan.
- Long‑service awards to celebrate commitment.
- Salary Finance offering financial education and advice.
- Opportunities to purchase extra benefits such as critical illness cover and dental insurance.
Commitment to Inclusion
We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you require support or adjustments—whether with the application, interview format, or anything else—please let us know and we will work with you to find the best approach.
Custody Support Worker HMP Durham employer: myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community
Ingeus is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment at HMP Durham. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a 24/7 EAP support programme. Our culture prioritises personal growth and community engagement, providing ample opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals transitioning from custody to society.
Contact Details:
myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Custody Support Worker HMP Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those who work at Ingeus or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to support work. Think about how you’d build trust with participants and handle challenging situations. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for rehabilitation! When you talk about your experiences or motivations, let that enthusiasm come through. It’s all about connecting with the mission of helping others rebuild their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Custody Support Worker HMP Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for helping others, especially in a role as impactful as this one.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing how you can bring your unique strengths to support individuals on their rehabilitation journey.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to engage and connect with others. Share examples of how you've built relationships or motivated people in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Custody Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals re-entering society after a custodial sentence and think about how your skills can help them overcome these barriers.
✨Showcase Your Compassion and Resilience
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build trusting relationships and support individuals through tough times. Highlight moments where your resilience shone through, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Prepare by thinking of scenarios where you had to manage multiple needs or navigate safeguarding risks, and be ready to discuss how you approached these challenges.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to supporting individuals post-release and how they measure success.
