Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £31,537 - £35,413 Per Annum
Location: The Courthouse
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 20/05/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713420
We have an excellent opportunity for a Focused Diversion Navigator to join our Prevention and Youth Justice Service Team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a 12 month fixed‑term contract.
As a Focused Diversion Navigator, you will work with children who need support to improve school attendance and/or behaviour, or who are at risk of criminal exploitation. Your relational approach will aim to support them in accessing appropriate and constructive community activities and empower them to build pro‑social identities, reducing school exclusion and risk of harm. You will work within the Children Services team, contributing to a culture of excellence in youth justice practice while championing equity, inclusion and trauma‑responsive approaches across all aspects of case management and intervention delivery.
This role requires you to supervise a mixed caseload of up to 15 children, complete timely short assessments, and deliver responsive support plans underpinned by child‑first, relational and trauma‑responsive principles. Accurate and timely record keeping is essential.
Key Responsibilities
* Hold a caseload of up to 15 children needing support to improve school attendance and/or behaviour or at risk of criminal exploitation.
* Support children in accessing appropriate and constructive community activities to empower them to build pro‑social identities.
* Keep time‑accurate and effective records for each case.
Candidate Requirements
* Experience working with children in one or more of the following settings: secondary schools, youth clubs/centres, youth mentoring for children at risk of exploitation, youth offending institutions, early help work, or supported accommodation.
* Experience working with children or adults within a criminal justice setting.
* Knowledge of the education system, including SEND.
* Analytical skills to assess the facets and context presented by each child and family.
* Ability to work in a high‑paced environment, juggling multiple responsibilities while meeting tight deadlines.
* Self‑management: prioritise work, manage own time and support colleagues to meet deadlines.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave – 28 days per year (increasing by 5 days after 5 years of local government service) plus bank holidays.
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* GP helpline available 7 days a week.
* Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 Your Care helpline.
* Free eye tests and flu vaccines.
* Free onsite gym located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham.
* Local and lifestyle discounts – savings on shopping, entertainment, dining out and more.
* Menopause support course.
* Sports and social group activities – including running, football, cricket and more.
* Learning and development opportunities.
* Employee networks.
* And more.
Wokingham Borough Council is an equal opportunities employer. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and other relevant employment checks. Applications are subject to pre‑employment checks and may be withdrawn if suitable candidates are identified early. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
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