Enhanced Reconnect Navigator

Recovery Focus; North East; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Life assurance (3× salary)

Annual leave 27 days rising to 32

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Waythrough is recruiting an Enhanced Reconnect Navigator to support individuals with current or past drug and alcohol needs as they transition from custody into the community. You will coordinate person-centred support, work with prison staff and community services, and help access appropriate services while maintaining detailed case notes.

Role requires DBS and prison vetting, driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organisational skills are essential.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with service users.
• Experience managing a caseload and coordinating support.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of individuals requiring support with substance use.
• Build relationships with service users to understand needs and recovery goals.
• Coordinate referrals to treatment, healthcare and community resources.
• Work with probation and partner agencies to ensure shared care plans.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Relationship building

Caseload management

Education

Health and Social Care Level 3 or higher

Job description

Enhanced Reconnect Navigator - Reconnected to Health

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Working pattern: 8:00am-4:00pm or 9:00am-5:00pm.
Location: Reconnect Hub, 22 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HW.
Salary: £25877.80 - £34240. Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we've created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community.

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

About the role

We are looking for a dedicated Enhanced Reconnect Navigator to join our Reconnect to Health service, supporting individuals with current or previous drug and alcohol needs as they transition from custody into the community. You will build trusting relationships with service users, helping them access appropriate support, maintain their recovery and build a more stable future. Working closely with prison staff, probation, community drug and alcohol services and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will coordinate person-centered support both in custody and following release. As this role is based within prison establishments, an Enhanced - Adult Bared DBS and prison vetting is required.

What will you be doing?

You will manage a caseload of individuals requiring additional support with substance use and their transition into the community. Your responsibilities will include:

• Building relationships with service users to understand their needs, goals and recovery journey.
• Encouraging positive change, supporting relapse prevention and contributing to release planning.
• Developing relationships with prison and community drug and alcohol services to coordinate ongoing support.
• Coordinating referrals and helping individuals access treatment, healthcare and community resources.
• Working with lead workers, probation and partner agencies to ensure effective communication and shared care plans.
• Providing wellbeing check-ins and practical support with appointments, health and social care.
• Promoting social inclusion through peer support, community groups, training and employment opportunities.
• Maintaining accurate case notes and service user records, sharing relevant updates with appropriate professionals.
• Supporting risk management and safeguarding processes, escalating concerns where necessary.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone compassionate, proactive and committed to helping people achieve positive change. You will have strong communication and organisational skills, be confident building relationships and work effectively with individuals experiencing complex needs.

We will ideally have:

• An understanding of substance use, recovery and the challenges associated with leaving custody.
• Knowledge of recovery planning, relapse prevention and risk management.
• Experience supporting individuals and helping them engage with services.
• The ability to work collaboratively with professionals and external agencies.
• Good IT, record-keeping and caseload management skills.
• A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or above, or a willingness to work towards one.
• Qualifications in substance misuse, addiction studies, counselling or related areas are desirable, as is experience delivering individual or group interventions.
• You must hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.

What We Offer

• 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. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

Closing Date: 2026-10-26

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. In April 2026, Aquarius, our former subsidiary partner, merged with Waythrough. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have 260 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 130,000 people.