Diversion Worker

About us

Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.

Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.

Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.

About the Service - Women and Children's Services

We run services and dedicated women’s centres for those who are at risk or struggling with challenging circumstances, including women in the criminal justice system and those with experience of trauma, selling sex or sexual exploitation.

We understand that women and girls have experiences which are different to men and can experience vulnerabilities that are specific to their gender. Childhood abuse and domestic abuse are common features in the lives of the women we support which impact on their health and wellbeing. Underpinning all our services is an in-depth understanding of trauma and a focus on recovery, resilience and community integration.

About the Job

Changing Lives in the East Midlands run services to support vulnerable women in the Criminal Justice System. As an expansion of our work, we have now been awarded funding by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to support women and men who are subject to a Conditional Caution by Nottingham Police, with the aim of providing early intervention, diversion from the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and ultimately desistance.

There is robust evidence to show that the underlying causes of women’s offending often links to experiences of victimisation and lack of access to appropriate gender-specific support. Risk of reoffending can be most effectively addressed through access to appropriate community support rather than more punitive disposals in the first instance.

A Conditional Caution can be issued by Police in cases where the offence is considered less serious and the person responsible does not have a significant criminal record. If the person accepting the Conditional Caution successfully completes it, they will then not have to attend Court. Failure to comply however can result in prosecution for the original offence.