At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals transitioning from prison to community health services with tailored care.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to mental health and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting health equality.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Health and Social Care required.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44500 £ per year.
Location: Durham – Agile role
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm or 9am–5pm
Contract: 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.
What I Will Do And Achieve
Join our team as a Care Navigator, working with colleagues to support people with health vulnerabilities as they move from prison back into the community. Using a coaching approach, you’ll help maintain wellbeing before and after release, strengthen links with community health services, and reduce the risk of ill health and reoffending. Your work will ensure a smooth transition and help reduce health inequalities for those leaving the criminal justice system.
- Provide High-Quality Care Navigation
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.
Benefits
- Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
- Wellbeing Support: Access our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and the Unmind mental health app.
- Recognition & Rewards: Enjoy discounts, cashback offers, and celebrate achievements through our PULSE platform.
- Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
- Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
- Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle‑to‑work schemes.
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us, and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing this is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio‑economic status.
Becoming a truly anti‑racist organisation
We have an ambition of becoming a truly anti‑racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out our anti‑racist statement. We have designed a multi‑year anti‑racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti‑racist organisation.
Care Navigator in North East employer: Rethink
Join Rethink Mental Illness as a Care Navigator in Durham, where you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals transitioning from secure settings back into the community. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, professional development, and flexible working arrangements, we offer a range of benefits including generous leave, ongoing training opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This role not only allows you to contribute to reducing health inequalities but also provides a platform for personal growth and career advancement within a compassionate and dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Navigator in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Rethink, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Navigator in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Rethink. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Rethink. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Rethink.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Care Navigator role at Rethink, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Rethink that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
