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 BtheChange. 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.
About the role
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.
About you
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.
Additional requirements
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.
Safeguarding and equality
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.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to supporting women to overcome adversity, build resilience and create lasting change in their lives. You'll work in a collaborative environment where your contribution will have a direct and meaningful impact on the women you support.
Due to the nature of the work carried out in our Women’s Centres this role is restricted to female applicants only in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).
We have become known for the quality of our work and ability to provide bespoke care and support services. While we are proud of our achievements so far, we are ambitious and want to continue to grow and diversify our workforce.
We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, perspectives and experiences and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from individuals across all sectors of society.
This is an opportunity for new, challenging and highly rewarding experiences. Our staff make a real difference to people’s lives and in return for your commitment and enthusiasm, we offer a comprehensive training and development programme a generous pension scheme and a positive working environment.
