Custody Engagement & Diversion Keyworker; Female

The Nelson Trust is looking for a compassionate, proactive and resilient Custody Engagement & Diversion Keyworker to join our One Wales service based in Newport.

One Wales is an innovative partnership service delivered by The Nelson Trust, Media Academy Cymru, PACT and Bthe Change. The service provides early engagement, support and diversion for women and young adults aged 18–25 who come into contact with the criminal justice system, including at first point of contact within police custody.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a custody and community-based role, supporting women and young adults to access the right help at the right time. You will provide early identification, triage, support and continuity of care, helping people engage with wider community services that respond to their individual needs.

Needs may include housing, substance misuse, health, finance, trauma, children and families, education, training and employment. The role aims to reduce social harms and reoffending, while empowering women and young adults to access opportunities and reach their full potential.

As Custody Engagement & Diversion Keyworker, you will:

• Work within police custody settings to identify and engage women and young adults who may benefit from support.
• Undertake cell sweeps, triage, needs assessments and risk management planning.
• Build rapport with individuals to understand their circumstances and identify appropriate support pathways.
• Support women and young adults to access One Wales community teams and wider partner services.
• Work closely with police, criminal justice partners, housing providers, social services, substance misuse services, health services and other community organisations.
• Attend voluntary appointments and multi-agency meetings where appropriate.
• Provide flexible support across the One Wales service, including community-based support and group interventions when needed.
• Maintain accurate records, referrals and monitoring information.
• Work in line with safeguarding, confidentiality, information sharing, health and safety, and Nelson Trust policies and procedures.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience of working with women or young adults with multiple and complex needs.
• Experience of needs triage, risk assessment and support planning.
• A trauma-informed, gender-responsive, age-appropriate and culturally aware approach.
• An understanding of the barriers women and young adults may face when accessing services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with clients, colleagues and partner agencies.
• The ability to work flexibly across different settings, including police custody, community locations and partner sites.
• Good organisational, administrative and IT skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and remain calm in challenging situations.

Experience of working within the criminal justice system or justice-related services would be desirable.

Please note:

This role requires weekend working on a rota basis, alongside flexibility to work outside usual working hours when required. A full driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel are required. There may be occasions when you are required to transport clients or volunteers in your own vehicle; business insurance costs will be reimbursed.

This post is subject to enhanced DBS, HMPPS and police vetting.

This vacancy is open to female applicants only as an occupational requirement exception under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

The Nelson Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its service users. All staff are expected to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring equality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery.

Interview date: Interviews will be held at Newport Women’s Centre on 28 September 2026 for candidates successful at application stage.

This is an opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to supporting…