Criminal Justice Recovery Worker

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Criminal Justice Recovery Worker - Exeter

Location: Exeter
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Fixed Term (until 31st March 2026)
Salary: £24,243 - £28,930

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives?
Join Waythrough, one of the UK's leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day.

We support over 125,000 people each year through our 200 services, empowering individuals to overcome challenges around mental health, housing, and substance use.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for Criminal Justice Recovery Workers to join our dedicated team in Devon. You'll play a vital role in helping people overcome barriers, rebuild their lives, and move forward with hope and purpose.
 

As a Criminal Justice Recovery Worker, you will work closely with individuals whose offending behaviour is linked to substance use. You'll offer one-to-one and group support, helping clients achieve recovery goals and successfully reintegrate into their communities. 
 

What You'll Do

• Conducting holistic assessments to understand individual needs and risks.

• Delivering tailored, person-centred support plans.

• Working with clients referred from courts or leaving prison to prevent reoffending.

• Facilitating group sessions and one-to-one recovery work.

• Collaborating with probation, police, and other key partners to provide coordinated care.

You'll be based primarily in Exeter, with travel to hubs across Newton Abbot and Barnstaple (mileage expenses paid).
 

Work hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with occasional flexibility required.
 

To Succeed in This Role, You'll Need:

• Knowledge or experience of the criminal justice system.

• Understanding of substance misuse and recovery support (desirable but not essential — transferable skills are welcome).

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• A compassionate, non-judgmental approach to your work.
   

Whether you're experienced in this field or looking to take your first step into criminal justice and recovery work, we'd love to hear from you.
 

A Day in the Life of a Criminal Justice Recovery Worker:
"The role of the Criminal Justice Worker and the Community Transitions work (CTW) , is to help facilitate an efficient and holistic person-centred pathway, supporting clients to transition from HMP back into the community. Successful applicants will have a strong focus on adopting a kind, respectful and non-judgemental approach to support – with an understanding that they will be working with a wide variety of client across varying risk levels. CWT's work with clients up to 12-weeks prior to release from HMP – with in person visits expected across HMP Exeter, Channing's Wood and video link appointments with HMP Bristol. This process allows for Together to begin developing professional working relationships with clients ahead of release, with the hope of encouraging continued engagement in community. CTW's are expected to work closely with CGL  – the contracted Prison Substance Misuse Service (SMS) and their recovery workers for information sharing and continuity of care purposes.

Once in the community, clients work with CTW's for up to 12-weeks post release. Together offers weekly structured psychological and motivational interventions, as well as targeted group work - designed to address problematic substance or alcohol use. Part of this will entail working alongside Together Prescribers and local pharmacies to support clients in accessing their Opioid Substitute Treatments along with other interventions. CTW's are also expected to work closely with other agencies including Probation and the Police – to support clients in maintaining license conditions if applicable. Finally, CTW's work closely with other agencies – such as Mental Health providers, GP's and housing services to support a holistic recovery pathway."

About Waythrough

Formed in 2024 through the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, Waythrough is now one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

With 3,500 staff and volunteers across more than 200 services, we help people to live full, meaningful lives.

Some roles may still appear under our legacy brands (Humankind, Richmond Fellowship, Aquarius) while we complete our integration — but wherever you join us, you'll be part of one supportive team, sharing one purpose.

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.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email .

How to Apply

If you're viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click 'Apply via Company Website' to view the full job description and submit your application.

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.