At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in the criminal justice system and help them access vital services.
- 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 part-time hours with dedicated study time and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 26640 - 32560 £ per year.
Location: Thinford Investigative Police Hub, Meadowfield Avenue, Durham Gate, Spennymoor, Durham, DL16 6YJ
Hours: Part-time (3 days working in custody, 1 day college/study time, and 1 day off per week)
Contract: Fixed-term, 15-month apprenticeship
Salary: £20,875.40 (This is a full time equivalent so will be pro-rate based on 4 days)
A driving Licence is Essential in this role.
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.
About the role
The Durham and Darlington Liaison and Diversion Team works with people who come into contact with the criminal justice system and may have mental health, substance misuse, learning disability or other support needs. As a Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced colleagues to help people access appropriate support and services.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and understanding while supporting people in a range of settings, including custody, court and the community. With support from your colleagues, you’ll learn how to:
- Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with people accessing the service.
- Meet with individuals alongside Lead Practitioners, Support Workers and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
- Support individuals to engage with appropriate health, wellbeing and community support services.
- Contribute to care planning and risk management alongside experienced colleagues.
- Work alongside police, probation, youth offending teams and other partner agencies.
- Support people in custody to engage with community services and other sources of support.
- Provide information, advice, guidance and emotional support to individuals and, where appropriate, their families and carers.
- Help people identify and access services that can support their physical and mental wellbeing and improve their life circumstances.
- Use your own lived experience appropriately and professionally to help people feel understood, valued and supported.
- Promote the value of lived experience within the wider Liaison and Diversion Team.
- Develop your knowledge of referral pathways and the support available across Durham and Darlington.
- Help develop resources such as service directories, posters and information for people accessing the service.
- Support service user engagement activities, including surveys and feedback.
- Develop effective relationships with partner organisations and support providers.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of your work and interactions with people accessing the service.
- Recognise and encourage positive engagement with support services.
- Complete your dedicated college study day each week as part of your apprenticeship.
You’ll be supported throughout your apprenticeship to put what you learn into practice, develop your confidence and work towards a recognised qualification.
About you
This role is particularly suited to someone who wants to turn their own experiences into something positive by supporting others. You may have personal experience of mental health challenges, substance misuse, learning disability or the criminal justice system. Your experience doesn’t have to come from previous employment—what matters is how you can use your experience appropriately, safely and within professional boundaries to support others.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Caring, compassionate and non-judgemental.
- A good listener who can build positive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Respectful and open-minded towards people's individual experiences and circumstances.
- Comfortable working alongside professionals from different organisations and services.
- Able to communicate clearly and appropriately with individuals, colleagues and partner agencies.
- Organised and able to record information accurately and confidentially.
- Keen to learn, develop new skills and take on feedback.
- Able to maintain professional boundaries when using your lived experience.
- Committed to completing a minimum Level 2 Health and Social Care apprenticeship.
- Comfortable using basic IT and maintaining accurate records.
- Passionate about helping people access the support they need.
Your experience matters:
At Waythrough, we recognise the unique value that lived experience can bring to supporting others. We actively welcome applications from people with personal experience of mental health challenges, substance misuse, learning disabilities or the criminal justice system, including experience of the custodial system. You don’t need to have worked in a support service before. Your experiences as an individual, your journey, volunteering, community involvement and other life experiences can all provide valuable insight.
Lived experience will be considered as part of the recruitment process, with suitability for the role assessed on an individual basis. The role involves working within professional boundaries and alongside people who may be experiencing complex and challenging circumstances, so we’ll support you to develop the skills needed to use your experience safely and appropriately.
If you’re passionate about helping others, ready to learn and want to turn your career into a journey supporting people, we’d love to hear from you.
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: 2026-10-02
Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and service users. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to health equality, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the vibrant city of Sheffield, this role as a Health & Wellbeing Nurse allows you to be part of a dedicated team focused on transforming lives and promoting mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Jump into local community events or volunteering opportunities. Social work is all about connecting with people, so being visible in your community helps us make the right contacts. Plus, it’s a great way to show your passion!
✨Connect with Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks like local councils or universities that offer apprenticeship programmes. They often post unique opportunities and can connect us with mentors who can guide our journey and potentially lead to the apprenticeship at Waythrough.
✨Tailor Your Approach to Apprenticeships
When applying for an apprenticeship, focus on showcasing your relevant experiences in your CV and during interviews. Highlight any volunteer work or practical experiences related to social work to stand out to Waythrough.
✨Follow Up After Your Application
Once you’ve applied for an apprenticeship at Waythrough, don’t just sit back! Follow up with a friendly email or a call to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and helps keep you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When applying for an apprenticeship in social work, make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others. Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you’re drawn to this field and how your personal experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a career in social work. This personal touch can make a big difference!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don't have formal work experience in social work, be sure to showcase any volunteering or community involvement. Mention any relevant skills you've developed, like communication, empathy, or conflict resolution. These are key in social work, and showcasing them can really strengthen your application to Waythrough.
Tailor Your CV to Social Work:Craft your CV with a focus on social work-related skills and experiences. Include sections for relevant qualifications, such as any certifications, training, or workshops you've attended. Make sure to highlight your ability to work in diverse teams and support vulnerable individuals, all of which are essential in this field.
Be Ready to Learn:In your application, emphasise your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the social work sector. As an apprentice, it’s important for us at StudySmarter to see that you are eager to absorb knowledge and develop your skills. Let us know how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Show Your Passion for Helping People
In social work, empathy and a genuine desire to help others are crucial. When chatting with Waythrough, make sure to convey your passion for community support and social justice. Share any relevant experiences, even volunteer work, where you've made a difference.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
You might face some scenario-based questions during your interview that assess how you'd handle real-life situations, such as conflict resolution or crisis management. Practise responding to potential scenarios that are common in social work, so you feel confident when tackling these types of questions with the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As you're aiming for an apprenticeship, your eagerness to learn is a huge asset! Be open about what you hope to gain from the role at Waythrough and how you're excited to develop your skills. This shows them that you're not just there to fill a spot but genuinely enthusiastic about growing in the field.
✨Prepare to Discuss Relevant Theories and Tools
Brush up on key theories and tools used in social work, such as the person-centred approach or community assessments. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in practise. This doesn't just show your knowledge but also signals your readiness to delve into the nitty-gritty of the job right from the outset.
