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.
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.
Make a difference where it matters most
Are you passionate about supporting people to make positive, lasting changes in their lives?
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
As an Assessment and Engagement Coordinator, you'll manage your own caseload while working closely with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team to provide person-centred support.
You'll:
* 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.
To view the full job description and person specification, CLICK HERE.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
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27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
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Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
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Life assurance (3× annual salary)
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Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
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Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
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Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
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24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
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Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
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£500 Recommend a Friend bonus
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Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
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Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
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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
Salary description
£25877.00 - £34240.00 per year