At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in custody to reduce re-offending and 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: Dynamic role with travel across Sunderland and Newcastle, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help others lead healthier lives.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and strong communication skills required.
Location: Working across 4 custody suites across Sunderland and Newcastle
Working Hours: 37 hours per week 8-4pm Monday to Thursday & Friday 8am-3:30pm
Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2027
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.
About the role
To work with individuals that come into contact with the custody setting. To provide brief intervention, advice, information and where necessary assessment with the aim of supporting an individual’s access to further support services and reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Working across the Northumbria Police Force area, the Community Diversion services support:
- Young people that have begun to go missing from home who are at risk of further missing episodes.
- Adults that present within custody suites that require support to reduce their likelihood of re-offending.
What you'll do:
- Provide assessments, brief interventions, signposting and onward referrals to address individual needs such as substance use, mental health, employment, gambling, violence and domestic abuse.
- Liaise with service colleagues to directly schedule assessments and appointments for those in custody as determined by their triage assessment and service pathways, ensuring an appropriate and timely service offer is made.
- Work closely with a diverse team of professionals, including fellow colleagues, custody staff, and external agencies, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to support.
What you'll need to succeed in the role:
- Access to own transport as the role will require you to travel to 4 different custody suites across Sunderland and Newcastle.
- A strong commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of service users.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or above or equivalent).
- Ability to adapt working practice to the needs of service users.
Full job description available upon request.
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.
Custody Navigator in Sunderland employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension contributions, and access to mental health resources, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while working across Sunderland and Newcastle's custody suites. Join us to be part of a diverse team committed to transforming lives and reducing re-offending through compassionate support and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Custody Navigator in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of community services or mental health. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy to introduce yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer you some insider tips!
✨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
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about helping others. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the community.
✨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 serious about joining the Waythrough team. Keep an eye on our job postings and apply as soon as you see a role that fits!
We think you need these skills to ace Custody Navigator in Sunderland
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 Custody Navigator. We want to see how you can make a real difference in the community!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through in your written application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely committed to supporting individuals facing challenges, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Custody Navigator. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as providing assessments and support to individuals in custody. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the job.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups. Think about times when you’ve worked within a multidisciplinary team or supported individuals facing challenges.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Well-being
Waythrough is all about making a difference in people's lives. Be ready to discuss your passion for supporting individuals with mental health, substance use, or domestic abuse issues. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to their well-being and rehabilitation.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the support services offered, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
