At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals transitioning from prison to community health services with tailored care navigation.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Rethink Mental Illness, making a real difference in mental health.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, Monday to Friday hours, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on professional growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Empower vulnerable individuals and help reduce health inequalities while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Health and Social Care; experience in supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Join Our Team as a Care Navigator
Location: Durham – Agile role
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm or 9am–5pm
ROLE AVAILABLE - Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) Until January 2027
Care Navigation services aim to provide a seamless package of support to individuals leaving secure settings and returning to the community, reconnecting individuals with health services to reduce health inequalities and in turn reduce reoffending. The Care Navigators are embedded in integrated mental health teams and community settings, providing 1:1 and group assessment and support in a variety of settings and hold highly autonomous roles.
The applicant must have a full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
What I will do and achieve:
- Support individuals pre‑ and post‑release from North East prisons, and where needed, those released directly from court.
- Complete screening and care‑mapping assessments to plan effective release and health support.
- Deliver tailored, person‑centred support using a range of approaches and intensities.
- Use a coaching framework to empower individuals to manage their health and release plans independently.
Improve Health Outcomes & Reduce Reoffending:
- Strengthen links with statutory and non‑statutory services to ensure continuity of care in the community.
- Promote positive health behaviours and contribute to health promotion events.
- Help reduce health inequalities by preventing a decline in wellbeing after release.
Work Collaboratively & Professionally:
- Build effective relationships with partners and agencies, attending multi‑disciplinary meetings as needed.
- Uphold strong professional boundaries and model proactive, solution‑focused practice aligned with organisational values.
- Communicate clearly in both written and verbal form, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Deliver Accurate and Accountable Practice:
- Keep detailed, timely and professional records on relevant clinical systems.
- Follow all pathways, processes and activity expectations, contributing to a high‑volume, fast‑paced service.
- Use self‑reflection, supervision, and training to maintain high standards and continually develop your practice.
Manage Your Workload Effectively:
- Work autonomously, planning your time and caseload efficiently.
- Meet deadlines, adapt to changing demands, and multitask confidently in a dynamic environment.
- Take a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and the service.
Champion Organisational Values:
- Demonstrate enthusiasm, integrity, transparency, and commitment to high‑quality care.
- Represent Rethink Mental Illness positively in all aspects of your work.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) with training relevant to Care Navigation, e.g., Health and Social Care.
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals through 1:1 and/or group interventions, helping them identify, set and achieve goals.
- Working knowledge of health, social care, debt, housing, court systems, mental health, criminal justice and substance misuse services.
- Skilled in delivering structured, time‑limited support and confident working within defined frameworks.
- Passionate about supporting individuals leaving the criminal justice system, providing professional, high‑quality, person‑centred care that recognises diversity and individual life experiences.
- Patient, calm and respectful, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries in challenging situations.
- Capable of assessing needs, developing risk management plans and creating, implementing and reviewing individual support plans.
- Strong time‑management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and respond positively to unforeseen challenges.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build professional, non‑discriminatory relationships.
- Experience using clinical outcome measures to inform practice.
- Confident IT user, including Microsoft Word, Excel and database/information systems.
- Willing to engage in ongoing training, coaching and personal development, using supervision positively and being self‑reflective.
- Able to remain calm under pressure, seeking guidance from managers when required.
If you’re passionate about empowering individuals, reducing stigma, and improving mental health outcomes, we’d love to hear from you!
Care Navigator in Durham employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers our Care Navigators to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals transitioning from secure settings back into the community. Our Durham location provides a dynamic environment where you can develop your skills through ongoing training and professional growth opportunities, all while working flexible hours that promote a healthy work-life balance. Join us in championing high-quality care and reducing health inequalities, as we strive to create a positive change in mental health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Navigator in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of care navigation or mental health. Attend local events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you, focusing on common questions for care navigator roles. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine in front of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting individuals leaving the criminal justice system. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your genuine interest in joining our team and makes it easier for us to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Navigator in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Care Navigator role. Highlight your relevant experience in supporting vulnerable individuals and your understanding of health and social care systems. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your written communication skills. Keep it professional but friendly, and make sure to convey your passion for helping others. We love seeing candidates who can express themselves well!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any specific experiences that relate to care navigation or working with individuals transitioning from secure settings. Whether it's through 1:1 support or group interventions, we want to know how you've made a difference in people's lives.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Care Navigator role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and how they align with your skills and experiences. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to reducing health inequalities and supporting individuals transitioning from prison.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
As a Care Navigator, you'll be working closely with vulnerable individuals. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Think of situations where you've successfully supported someone in need, highlighting your patience and respect for their experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to care navigation, such as managing a crisis or building rapport with a client. This will show your readiness for the autonomous nature of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
The role requires ongoing training and self-reflection. Be ready to discuss how you engage in personal development and how you’ve used feedback to improve your practice. This shows that you're not just qualified but also dedicated to providing high-quality care.
