At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in courts and police custody to access drug and alcohol treatment.
- 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 await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help others lead healthier lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in criminal justice or substance misuse services is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 34240 € per year.
Location: Torbay
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80- £34,240.03
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives? Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day. We support over 125,000 people each year through our 200 services, empowering individuals to overcome challenges around mental health, housing, and substance use.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and proactive professional to join our team as a Drug & Alcohol Court and Custody Practitioner. This is an exciting opportunity to work across both court settings and police custody, playing a key role in strengthening pathways into treatment and supporting positive outcomes for individuals within the criminal justice system. The primary focus of this role is to increase the number of Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) and Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) referrals, while also improving referral rates directly from police custody. You will work collaboratively with court staff, probation services, police colleagues, and treatment providers to ensure timely identification, assessment, and referral of suitable individuals.
Please be aware that the role is subject to Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 1.
What You’ll Do
- Work across courts and police custody suites to identify individuals suitable for DRR and ATR interventions.
- Increase the volume and quality of referrals into structured drug and alcohol treatment services.
- Facilitate same-day court assessments to support sentencing decisions.
- Contribute to improved community sentencing outcomes in line with probation restructuring developments.
- Develop strong working relationships with criminal justice partners to streamline referral pathways.
- Monitor and measure performance outcomes against an agreed baseline, demonstrating the impact and added value of the role.
- Provide clear, accurate documentation and maintain robust case records.
Work hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with occasional flexibility required.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working within criminal justice, substance misuse services, probation, or a related field.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of DRR and ATR processes.
- Is confident working in fast-paced court and custody environments.
- Has excellent assessment, communication, and partnership-working skills.
- Is outcome-focused, with the ability to analyse data and demonstrate measurable impact.
- Is proactive, resilient, and committed to improving rehabilitation outcomes.
If you are passionate about improving access to treatment, reducing reoffending, and strengthening community-based sentencing options, we would love to hear from you.
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.
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: 2026-05-30
Criminal Justice Recovery Worker - Courts and Police Custody employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension contributions, and opportunities for recognition, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in mental health and social support services. Located in Torbay, this role provides a unique chance to engage with diverse partners in the criminal justice system, fostering impactful relationships and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Recovery Worker - Courts and Police Custody
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the criminal justice field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting individuals in the criminal justice system. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to DRR and ATR processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Waythrough and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Justice Recovery Worker - Courts and Police Custody
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in criminal justice and substance misuse services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Criminal Justice Recovery Worker.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your community or supported individuals facing challenges, as this is what we value at Waythrough.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see your potential impact in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you won’t miss out on any important details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (DRR) and Alcohol Treatment Requirements (ATR). Understanding these processes will show that you're serious about the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in criminal justice or substance misuse services. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, as this will help demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Build Rapport
Since you'll be working with various partners like court staff and police, practice how to build rapport quickly. Use examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to improving rehabilitation outcomes within the community.
