Job Description:

Custody Visit Support Worker

Location: Across London
Working Hours: 8:00pm – 8:00am
Job Type: Night / Emergency On-Call

Job Purpose

We are looking for reliable, calm and compassionate Custody Visit Support Workers to support children and young people who have been arrested and are held in police custody across London.

You will respond to referrals from the Emergency Duty Team (EDT), attending police stations at short notice to act as an Appropriate Adult, helping safeguard young people and supporting their understanding and participation in the custody process.

This is an exclusively night-time, on-call role. Workers must remain contactable and available between 6:00pm and 6:00am, with referrals often occurring between midnight and 4:00am.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to emergency referrals and attend police stations across London, including at short notice.

• Act as an Appropriate Adult, providing reassurance and supporting the young person's welfare, rights and participation in the custody process.

• Observe the young person's presentation and identify safeguarding or welfare concerns, escalating them appropriately.

• Communicate professionally with police officers, solicitors, social workers, parents/carers and other relevant professionals.

• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and a calm, non-judgemental approach.

• Complete accurate records and reports, and provide timely updates to the EDT.

• Follow all organisational policies, safeguarding procedures and relevant Appropriate Adult guidance.

Overnight Requirements

This role involves responding to calls at any time between 6:00pm and 6:00am. Workers must remain available during their agreed hours and be prepared to travel across London at night.

Visits may involve lengthy periods at police stations, waiting times and emotionally challenging situations. There may also be periods without referrals.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable adults.

• Understanding of safeguarding and the ability to recognise and report concerns.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Reliable, professional, compassionate and non-judgemental.

• Able to work independently, maintain confidentiality and complete accurate records.

• Available for night-time on-call work and able to travel across London at short notice.

• Willing to undertake required training and pre-employment checks.

Desirable

• Previous Appropriate Adult or police custody experience.

• Experience in youth work, social care, safeguarding or the criminal justice system.

• Relevant safeguarding training or qualifications.

Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

Safeguarding is central to this role. Workers must remain alert to concerns including abuse, exploitation, mental health difficulties and risks to the young person's welfare, reporting them promptly through the appropriate procedures.

Successful candidates must complete the required pre-employment checks, including identity and Right to Work verification, an appropriate DBS check, references, employment history checks and any required training.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to vulnerable young people at a critical point in their lives. You will help ensure they receive appropriate support, reassurance and safeguarding while in police custody.

If you are dependable, resilient and comfortable working independently at night, we would like to hear from you.