Unsentenced Criminal Justice Practitioner

**About us**

Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.

Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.

Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.

**About the Service - Women and Children's Services**

We understand that women and girls have experiences which are different to men and can experience vulnerabilities that are specific to their gender. Childhood abuse and domestic abuse are common features in the lives of the women we support which impact on their health and wellbeing. Underpinning all our services is an in-depth understanding of trauma and a focus on recovery, resilience and community integration.

**About the Job**

**_ At changing lives we are about to offer an exciting new service to women remanded in custody, who previously have missed out on support they need. We will aim to support them into suitable accommodation throughout the UK. We will also assist with tackling issues around debt and family engagement. The following key areas covered are:_**

Assess women’s accommodation needs and develop an action plan to work with them to identify and secure appropriate, safe accommodation for release in agreement with their Probation Officer, taking into account risks, restrictions, and vulnerabilities.

Assist women to in identifying their own needs and supporting them to progress using a strength based and trauma informed approach to reduce the likelihood of further offending.

Work with Housing Providers, including the Private Rented Sector, local authority Gateway’s, Supported Housing to secure accommodation or safeguard existing accommodation.