We have an excellent opportunity for a Focused Diversion Navigator to join our Prevention and Youth Justice Service Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a 12 month, Fixed-Term Contract.

As Focused Diversion Navigator, you will work with children who will need support to improve school attendance and/or behaviour; or who are at risk of criminal exploitation. Your relational approach will aim at supporting them to access appropriate and relevant constructive activities in the community to empower them to build pro-social identities and reduce their school exclusion or risk of harm from outside the home.  You'll work within the Children Services team, contributing to building a culture of excellence in youth justice practice while championing equity, inclusion and trauma-responsive approaches throughout all aspects of case management and intervention delivery.

This role requires involves supervision of a mixed caseload of up to 15 children, completion of timely short assessments, and a responsive support plan underpinned by child-first, relational and trauma-responsive approaches.  Keeping accurate and timely records is essential to the role. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a collaborative, motivated professional with experience in supporting and mentoring children, to become part of the youth justice service.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave – 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued 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 & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
⭐Move through Menopause Course
⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
⭐Employee Networks
⭐And more!

Key Responsibilities:
•    To hold a caseload of up to 15 children at any one time who will need support to improve school attendance and/or behaviour; or who are at risk of criminal exploitation

• To support children in your caseload access appropriate and relevant constructive activities in the community to empower them to build pro-social identities. 
• To keep timely, accurate and effective records for each case. 

Candidate Requirements:
•    Experience of working with children in one or more of these settings/contexts: in a secondary school , in a youth club/centre, as a youth mentor supporting children at risk of exploitation, in a youth offending institution , as an Early Help worker , in supported accommodation 

Experience working with children of adults within a criminal justice setting
•    Knowledge of education system, including SEND
•    Analytical skills to be able to assess the facets and context presented by each child and family
•    Ability to work in a high paced environment, juggling various responsibilities simultaneously while working towards tight deadlines
•    Manages own time and prioritises work and supports other colleagues to meet agreed deadlines

Our Area:
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.  
Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Bea Nigolian, Team Manager, via Bea.Nigolian@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Wednesday 20th May 2026 at 11pm
Interview date: Thursday 28th May 2026-in person only, at the PYJS office.

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful.  Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that 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.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.