Custody Support Worker HMP

Ingeus is an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork, the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Salary: Up to £28,755 per annum + Additional Benefits
Location: HMP Durham
Contract: Full Time Permanent

Rebuilding your life after a custodial sentence is one of the toughest challenges a person can face. With the right support, it is possible. We are looking for a dedicated Case Worker who blends compassion, resilience, organisation and flexibility to proactively support individuals on their journey toward rehabilitation.

You will work within the prison, providing one-to-one support to a caseload of participants as they prepare for release. Typically you will work with those in the last 12 weeks of their sentence, helping them to be ready to re-enter society, overcome barriers, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward rehabilitation. You will also promote engagement with our community hubs post‑release and work closely with pre‑release and through‑the‑gate teams to ensure a smooth transition.

• Build genuine, trusting, and non‑judgemental relationships with participants, creating a safe space for personal growth.
• Set and review goals, ensuring accurate and timely recording.
• Formulate detailed action plans identifying specific needs and barriers, and determine the support required for transition.
• Manage a caseload of multiple individuals, balancing their needs while keeping up with related administration.
• Engage stakeholders across the prison, generate referrals to the programme, and influence the wider prison community.

• Excellent communication skills—engagement, motivation, persuasion, and listening to build strong connections.
• Safeguarding awareness and the ability to identify safeguarding risks, supported by the organisation following any challenging interventions.
• Strong IT and administrative skills, keeping meticulous records to measure client progress and ensure effective interventions.
• Resilience; capable of staying committed and seeing things through despite long‑term results.

Whilst we welcome applications from those with lived experience, this role requires an enhanced DBS check and HMPPS EL1 vetting. Due to the time required to complete these checks, successful candidates will be offered a start date at least six weeks from the point of job offer to allow sufficient time for all necessary pre‑employment clearances.

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to trade for additional leave.
• EAP support programme available 24/7, including six free counselling sessions.
• Private medical insurance and life assurance.
• Up to two days of Community Giving (volunteering) each year to support a cause that matters to you.
• Eyecare vouchers for glasses or eye care.
• Online shopping discounts.
• Cycle to Work scheme and travel season ticket loan.
• Long‑service awards to celebrate commitment.
• Salary Finance offering financial education and advice.
• Opportunities to purchase extra benefits such as critical illness cover and dental insurance.

We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you require support or adjustments—whether with the application, interview format, or anything else—please let us know and we will work with you to find the best approach.