Care Navigator

Care Navigation services aim to provide a seamless package of support to individuals leaving secure settings and returning to the community, reconnecting individuals with health services to reduce health inequalities and in turn reduce reoffending. The Care Navigators are embedded in integrated mental health teams and community settings, providing 1:1 and group assessment and support in a variety of settings and hold highly autonomous roles.

* The applicant must have a full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle with business car insurance.

Join our team as a Care Navigator, working with colleagues to support people with health vulnerabilities as they move from prison back into the community. Using a coaching approach, you’ll help maintain wellbeing before and after release, strengthen links with community health services, and reduce the risk of ill health and reoffending. Your work will ensure a smooth transition and help reduce health inequalities for those leaving the criminal justice system.

• Support individuals pre‑and post‑release from North East prisons, and where needed, those released directly from court.
• Complete screening and care‑mapping assessments to plan effective release and health support.
• Deliver tailored, person‑centred support using a range of approaches and intensities.
• Use a coaching framework to empower individuals to manage their health and release plans independently.

• Strengthen links with statutory and non‑statutory services to ensure continuity of care in the community.
• Promote positive health behaviours and contribute to health promotion events.
• Help reduce health inequalities by preventing a decline in wellbeing after release.

• Build effective relationships with partners and agencies, attending multi‑disciplinary meetings as needed.
• Uphold strong professional boundaries and model proactive, solution‑focused practice aligned with organisational values.
• Communicate clearly in both written and verbal form, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

• Keep detailed, timely and professional records on relevant clinical systems.
• Follow all pathways, processes and activity expectations, contributing to a high‑volume, fast‑paced service.
• Use self‑reflection, supervision, and training to maintain high standards and continually develop your practice.

• Work autonomously, planning your time and caseload efficiently.
• Meet deadlines, adapt to changing demands, and multitask confidently in a dynamic environment.
• Take a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and the service.

• Demonstrate enthusiasm, integrity, transparency, and commitment to high‑quality care.
• Represent Rethink Mental Illness positively in all aspects of your work.

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) with training relevant to Care Navigation, e.g., Health and Social Care.
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals through 1:1 and/or group interventions, helping them identify, set and achieve goals.
• Working knowledge of health, social care, debt, housing, court systems, mental health, criminal justice and substance misuse services.
• Skilled in delivering structured, time‑limited support and confident working within defined frameworks.
• Passionate about supporting individuals leaving the criminal justice system, providing professional, high‑quality, person‑centred care that recognises diversity and individual…