At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in their recovery journey while working within a secure prison environment.
- Company: Join Waythrough, one of England's largest mental health and social support charities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help them build a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with experience in health and social care are encouraged to apply.
Location: HMP Durham
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00 (with one 30-minute early finish each week). There is also a requirement to work until 16:30 on a rota basis approximately once a fortnight.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240 per year
This role is based within HMP Durham and is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance and prison security vetting.
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.
Make a difference where it matters most
We’re looking for an Assessment and Engagement Coordinator to join our dedicated substance misuse team at HMP Durham, helping individuals begin and progress through their recovery journey while in custody. Working within a secure prison environment, you’ll play a vital role in engaging people at the earliest opportunity, carrying out comprehensive assessments, developing tailored recovery plans and supporting individuals as they prepare for life beyond prison. No two days are the same. You’ll work with people with complex needs, helping them access the right interventions, reduce harm and build the foundations for sustained recovery.
What you’ll be doing
- Complete comprehensive assessments and develop personalised recovery plans.
- Support individuals throughout their treatment and recovery journey, from engagement through to release planning.
- Deliver one-to-one psychosocial interventions and co-facilitate group sessions.
- Work collaboratively with prison staff, healthcare professionals and external partners to ensure seamless support.
- Promote harm reduction, health and wellbeing, and recovery-focused interventions.
- Identify and manage risk, safeguarding concerns and complex needs.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to achieving positive outcomes for the people we support.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, resilient and motivated to support people facing multiple challenges. You’ll ideally have:
- An NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or be willing to work towards this.
- Experience delivering one-to-one and/or group interventions.
- Experience completing assessments and contributing to recovery or risk management plans.
- Knowledge of substance misuse and the challenges people experience during recovery.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to work independently whilst also being part of a supportive team.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and using IT systems.
Experience working within a prison environment is desirable but not essential. If you have transferable skills and are passionate about supporting people to change their lives, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer
- 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 contact our recruitment team.
Assessment and Engagement Coordinator in Durham employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to impactful change, we offer a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and various well-being initiatives, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about guiding individuals towards recovery. Join us in a role where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessment and Engagement Coordinator in Durham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Waythrough.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Waythrough!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Waythrough, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Waythrough or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assessment and Engagement Coordinator in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Waythrough:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Waythrough! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
