Custody Support Worker

Job Role:

Custody Support Worker

Location:

Exeter (In-Person / Prison-Based)
Salary: £25,877 - £29,000 per annum (Dependent on Experience)

Contract:

Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)

Role Overview
We are recruiting a compassionate and motivated Custody Support Worker to join the CFO Evolution programme, supporting individuals within a custodial environment to achieve positive rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes.
As a Custody Support Worker, you will manage a caseload of participants from initial engagement through to pre-release preparation, providing tailored support to help them overcome personal barriers, remain engaged, and work towards successful reintegration into the community. This is a rewarding and impactful role, delivering both one-to-one and group-based interventions, with a strong emphasis on motivation, engagement, and pre-release planning to support long-term outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
Participant Engagement & Case Management
 
Caseload Management:
Manage a caseload of participants within a custodial setting, working towards contractual and team targets.
Assessments & Planning:
Conduct initial assessments and develop personalised, comprehensive support plans for participants.
Interventions Delivery:
Deliver both one-to-one support sessions and structured group interventions to drive positive change.
Relationship Building:
Maintain consistent, positive engagement and build trusting relationships with participants.
Barrier Breakdown:
Support participants to overcome multi-layered barriers including housing, health, substance use, and low confidence.  Resettlement & Pre-Release Support
 
Transition Planning:
Deliver structured pre-release support to thoroughly prepare individuals for their transition into the community.
Life Skills Growth:
Support participants to develop essential life skills, employability, and independent living skills.
Mentor

Collaboration:

Work closely with volunteer peer mentors and community mentors to manage caseloads effectively and expand available support.
Pathway Connections:
Signpost and connect participants with external resources for housing, substance misuse, physical health, and mental health services.  Risk Management, Administration & Quality
 
Risk & Safeguarding:
Ensure effective case management and co-ordination of risk, maintaining a strong focus on the safeguarding of adults and children.
Probation Communication:
Adhere to risk systems, policies, and procedures, ensuring timely notification to the Probation Service regarding any changes in individual risk profiles.
System Accuracy:
Input and retrieve electronic data across computer-based information systems in an accurate, secure, and timely manner.
Continuous Improvement:
Participate in activities to share best practice and contribute toward a continuous learning environment for the team.  

Essential Criteria
 
Communication

Skills:

Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to relate to and engage people at all levels.
Motivational Ability:
Proven ability to motivate, engage, and sustain positive working relationships with individuals facing complex barriers.
Target Focus:
Experience working effectively within a structured, target-driven or contract-led environment.
Digital Literacy:
Good IT skills with experience maintaining accurate records and utilizing electronic databases.  Desirable Criteria
 
Sector

Qualification:

A recognized Information, Advice or Guidance (IAG) Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
Caseload

Experience:

Direct experience managing a caseload of participants within supportive or criminal justice environments.
Occupational Context:
Experience working within any of the following settings:  
Probation or criminal justice frameworks (supporting individuals under supervision or on licence).
Secure custody or prison environments.
Social care, mental health, or substance misuse services involving mentoring or motivational support.
Community outreach and housing/tenancy support.  
Graduate Pathways:
Applications are also welcomed from recent graduates eager to gain valuable experience and build a meaningful career within the criminal…