Criminal Justice Diversion Keyworker (Female Only) in Bridgwater
Nelson Trust Bridgwater About the role
At The Nelson Trust, we support people affected by substance use, multiple disadvantages and involvement with the criminal justice system to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Criminal Justice Diversion Keyworker to support women across Somerset who are experiencing complex challenges including domestic abuse, poor mental health, substance misuse, homelessness and offending.
Salary: £27,000 - £28,500 pro rata per annum, dependent on experience
Hours: 28 hours per week
Pension: Auto‑enrolment pension scheme with 6% employer contribution
Location: Somerset Women’s Centre, supporting women across West Somerset and Taunton
What will you do?
- Provide outreach and community‑based support to women with complex needs.
- Manage a caseload and develop personalised support plans.
- Complete assessments and identify risks and support needs.
- Deliver practical and emotional support to help women achieve positive outcomes.
- Work closely with criminal justice, statutory and voluntary sector partners.
- Advocate for women and support attendance at meetings and court where appropriate.
- Facilitate group activities and interventions.
- Contribute to safeguarding, data recording and service development.
What we offer
- A rewarding role where you can make a real difference.
- Training, development and progression opportunities.
- Regular supervision and management support.
- A supportive, values‑led working environment.
What we are looking for
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Experience supporting women and/or people with complex needs.
- Understanding of issues such as domestic abuse, mental health, safeguarding and offending behaviour.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise effectively.
- Good IT and administrative skills.
- An non‑judgemental, empathetic and professional approach.
This role will close once a suitable candidate has been appointed. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Due to the nature of the work carried out in our Women’s Centre, this role is restricted to female applicants only in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).
Your tasks
Support women facing complex challenges and help them achieve positive outcomes.
Your profile
Experience supporting women with complex needs and excellent communication skills.
What's also included
Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
Tech stack & ways of working
Criminal Justice Diversion Keyworker (Female Only) in Bridgwater employer: Nelson Trust
At The Nelson Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of women facing complex challenges. Our supportive, values-led work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering training and development opportunities while ensuring regular supervision and management support. Located in the heart of Somerset, our Women's Centre provides a unique environment where compassionate individuals can thrive and contribute to positive change in their communities.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in women's lives while developing your skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Nelson Trust.
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 Nelson Trust!
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 Nelson Trust, 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 Nelson Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Nelson Trust
Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nelson Trust! 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 Nelson Trust
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.
Locations
- Bridgwater
