Criminal Justice Worker

About This Role

Working as a Criminal Justice Worker at North Yorkshire Horizons, you will support individuals involved in the criminal justice system to engage with treatment and overcome barriers to recovery from drug and alcohol use. This role involves managing a diverse caseload of adults, providing person-centred recovery planning from initial assessment through to sustained recovery. You will coordinate tailored interventions that reduce substance-related harm, support rehabilitation, and help individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of adults involved in the criminal justice system, developing, implementing and reviewing personalised recovery and treatment plans
• Complete triage, screening and comprehensive assessments to identify individual needs and strengths
• Deliver structured one-to-one psychosocial interventions and recovery-focused key working sessions
• Work collaboratively with Probation, Courts, prisons and partner agencies to coordinate support and promote successful recovery outcomes
• Carry out safeguarding, risk assessments and risk management planning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users
• Support individuals to access treatment, healthcare, housing, employment and wider community resources that promote recovery and social inclusion
• Deliver harm reduction interventions, including drug screening, blood borne virus (BBV) testing, needle exchange and other evidence-based interventions where appropriate
• Contribute to the delivery of Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR), Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) and other criminal justice interventions
• Where required, provide prison in-reach to support positive community reintegration and continuity of care on release
• Work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver coordinated, person-centred support and improve outcomes for individuals and their families
• Maintain accurate, confidential electronic case records and contribute to service quality, performance and continuous improvement
• Participate in supervision, training and ongoing professional development

Requirements

• Compassionate, motivated and committed to supporting people to achieve lasting recovery
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards this qualification
• Experience of working with adults affected by substance misuse and an understanding of the challenges faced by people involved in the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of recovery-focused practice, psychosocial interventions, safeguarding, risk assessment and person-centred care planning
• Experience of working collaboratively with criminal justice agencies, healthcare professionals and community organisations to deliver coordinated support
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, motivate and build positive relationships with people experiencing complex needs
• Confident using Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems to maintain accurate and confidential records
• Able to work flexibly across operational sites, contribute positively within a multidisciplinary team and participate in evening and weekend working where required

Nice to have:

• A relevant professional qualification in addiction studies, counselling, social work or a related discipline
• Experience of approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), CBT, ITEP or other evidence-based interventions

Benefits

• 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

Important Details

• Schedule: 37 hours per week, Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4:30pm
• Contract: Permanent
• Application deadline: 10 November 2026

About the Company

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, creating one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, the company supports around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services, with a team of 3,500 staff and volunteers.