Custody Support Worker

Job Role: Custody Support Worker
Location: Exeter (In-Person / Prison-Based)
Salary: £25,877 - £29,000 per annum (Dependent on Experience)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
 
Role Overview
We are recruiting a compassionate and motivated Custody Support Worker to join the CFO Evolution programme, supporting individuals within a custodial environment to achieve positive rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes.
As a Custody Support Worker, you will manage a caseload of participants from initial engagement through to pre-release preparation, providing tailored support to help them overcome personal barriers, remain engaged, and work towards successful reintegration into the community. This is a rewarding and impactful role, delivering both one-to-one and group-based interventions, with a strong emphasis on motivation, engagement, and pre-release planning to support long-term outcomes.
 
Key Responsibilities
Participant Engagement & Case Management

• Caseload Management: Manage a caseload of participants within a custodial setting, working towards contractual and team targets.
• Assessments & Planning: Conduct initial assessments and develop personalised, comprehensive support plans for participants.
• Interventions Delivery: Deliver both one-to-one support sessions and structured group interventions to drive positive change.
• Relationship Building: Maintain consistent, positive engagement and build trusting relationships with participants.
• Barrier Breakdown: Support participants to overcome multi-layered barriers including housing, health, substance use, and low confidence.

Resettlement & Pre-Release Support

• Transition Planning: Deliver structured pre-release support to thoroughly prepare individuals for their transition into the community.
• Life Skills Growth: Support participants to develop essential life skills, employability, and independent living skills.
• Mentor Collaboration: Work closely with volunteer peer mentors and community mentors to manage caseloads effectively and expand available support.
• Pathway Connections: Signpost and connect participants with external resources for housing, substance misuse, physical health, and mental health services.

Risk Management, Administration & Quality

• Risk & Safeguarding: Ensure effective case management and co-ordination of risk, maintaining a strong focus on the safeguarding of adults and children.
• Probation Communication: Adhere to risk systems, policies, and procedures, ensuring timely notification to the Probation Service regarding any changes in individual risk profiles.
• System Accuracy: Input and retrieve electronic data across computer-based information systems in an accurate, secure, and timely manner.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in activities to share best practice and contribute toward a continuous learning environment for the team.

Essential Criteria

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to relate to and engage people at all levels.
• Motivational Ability: Proven ability to motivate, engage, and sustain positive working relationships with individuals facing complex barriers.
• Target Focus: Experience working effectively within a structured, target-driven or contract-led environment.
• Digital Literacy: Good IT skills with experience maintaining accurate records and utilizing electronic databases.

Desirable Criteria

• Sector Qualification: A recognized Information, Advice or Guidance (IAG) Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
• Caseload Experience: Direct experience managing a caseload of participants within supportive or criminal justice environments.
• Occupational Context: Experience working within any of the following settings:
• Probation or criminal justice frameworks (supporting individuals under supervision or on licence).
• Secure custody or prison environments.
• Social care, mental health, or substance misuse services involving mentoring or motivational support.
• Community outreach and housing/tenancy support.
• Graduate Pathways: Applications are also welcomed from recent graduates eager to gain valuable experience and build a meaningful career within the criminal justice sector.

Personal Attributes

• Approach: Compassionate, patient, and person-centred.
• Resilience: Resilient, adaptable, and capable of maintaining clear professional boundaries within a custodial estate.
• Mindset: Proactive, solution-focused, and collaborative.

Benefits & Package

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, an additional day off for your Birthday, and the operational option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Volunteer Days: 2 paid volunteering days per year.
• Pension: 10% total matching pension contribution (5% Employee / 5% Employer).
• Healthcare & Protection: Comprehensive Healthcare Cash Plan and Life Assurance (3x salary).
• Financial Well-being: Annual salary pay review and a refer-a-friend bonus scheme.
• Perks & Discounts: Free access to Benefit Hub, offering high-street retail discounts, a cycle-to-work scheme, and voluntary benefits.

Additional Information

• Environment: The role is entirely based on-site within a custodial facility in Exeter.
• Vetting: Appointment is subject to enhanced DBS checks and prison security vetting.

 
How to Apply
If you are ready to take on a rewarding opportunity as a Custody Support Worker and help individuals change their lives around, please contact us.
To apply or request further details regarding this position, please contact:

• Contact: Robert Rowe
• Phone: (phone number removed)
• Email: (url removed)

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