Custody Navigator

Custody Navigator/Community Diversion Services

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

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: View email address on click.appcast.io

Closing Date: 2026-07-02