At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in the Criminal Justice System to make positive life changes.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help others lead healthier lives.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or willingness to obtain.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 34240 € per year.
Location: Plummer Court, Carliol Place, Newcastle, NE1 6UR
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. Are you looking for a fulfilling role where you can make a real difference to people's lives? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join our well established, friendly Criminal Justice Team.
Newcastle Treatment & Recovery (NTaR) is a multi-agency team delivering drug and alcohol treatment for the residents of Newcastle. We pride ourselves on being safe, inventive, creative and have the needs of the community and service users at the heart of what we do. The successful post holder will match our ambition and commitment to provide the highest standards of service quality and performance within this partnership.
About the role
We are recruiting a Criminal Justice Engagement Worker to join our team at Newcastle Treatment & Recovery. We support individuals experiencing problematic substance use and aim to strengthen Criminal Justice pathways into treatment for those affected by opiate, non-opiate and alcohol use.
In this role, you will act as a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for a caseload involved in the Criminal Justice System, providing specialist, tailored support to help individuals make positive changes to their lives. You will work closely with external partners including Probation, Prisons and Courts.
- Act as a key point of contact for Continuity of Care, using strong administrative skills to process referrals and complete associated documentation.
- Maintain and update the prison tracker daily to monitor releases, liaising with prisons, and developing strong working relationships to ensure effective Continuity of Care pathways and appropriate support on release.
- Assertively support service users into treatment following release from prison, completing comprehensive assessments at Plummer Court or other locations, including outreach to satellite offices where required.
- Complete weekly suitability assessments for Alcohol Treatment Requirements (ATR) and Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (DRR), preparing court reports and liaising with Prison and Court staff as needed.
- Provide tailored guidance to reduce harmful behaviours and support continued engagement with the service, offering personalised initiatives to encourage treatment uptake and contribute to the prevention and reduction of offending.
- Support key service functions by participating in drug screening, duty work, BBV testing and immunisation, prescription management, community needle exchange services, and the delivery of appropriate alcohol and drug harm reduction interventions.
Essential criteria
- Hold an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or above, or equivalent), or be willing to work towards this qualification in post.
- Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programmes.
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to deliver, evidence-based interventions including brief interventions, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychosocial Interventions (PSIs), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ITEP.
- Have experience of working with carers and families.
Full job description and person specification available upon request from the recruitment team.
For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Rachael Bolton at rachael.bolton@cntw.nhs.uk
Please note that here at Newcastle, we have parking permits available on a rota basis for all staff members. We are aware of the ongoing works on the Tyne Bridge and we are happy to say that we are flexible with working hours due to this, as we understand it may possibly make commuting difficult at times. Please be aware that due to the nature of the service, this role requires on site working only.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-06-01
Criminal Justice Engagement Worker employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals facing challenges in mental health and substance use. With a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to community engagement, working at our Newcastle Treatment & Recovery team means being part of a dedicated group that values innovation and collaboration. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful change in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Engagement Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the criminal justice and mental health sectors. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Waythrough and understanding their mission. Think about how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions and come up with examples that showcase your experience in supporting individuals facing challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Criminal Justice Engagement Worker position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your passion for making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Engagement Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Criminal Justice Engagement Worker. We want to see how you can make a real difference in our community!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about supporting individuals facing challenges, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, as this will help us understand your qualifications and motivations quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Criminal Justice Engagement Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the specific challenges faced by individuals in the Criminal Justice System. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your experience with evidence-based interventions like Motivational Interviewing or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles to support individuals facing challenges, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with external partners, practice building rapport during your interview. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others, especially in challenging situations. This will show your ability to foster strong working relationships.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you'll be handling, or the support available for staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
