Team Manager - Youth Justice Service

How you'll make a difference

The Youth Justice Service (YJS), coordinated by the local authority and overseen by the Youth Justice Partnership Board (YJPB), delivers statutory youth justice functions in line with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and related legislation. The service works with children and young people subject to out-of-court disposals, community and custodial sentences and provides support to victims of youth crime.

As Team Manager, you will be working within the Family Help and Social Care Service, leading the operational delivery of the YJS, ensuring high-quality, effective support for victims, children, young people and their families. You will drive continuous improvement, promote excellent practice and work with partners to achieve the best possible outcomes, with the ambition of securing an 'Outstanding' at our next HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) judgement.

• You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the YJS, ensuring that all statutory duties and responsibilities are effectively delivered. You will oversee operational performance, managing service demands and prioritising issues that require an immediate response.
• Working closely with partners and stakeholders, you will ensure services are high-quality, customer-focused and deliver positive change for victims, children, young people and their families. You will provide leadership in resolving complex operational challenges and high-risk disputes through effective collaboration and professional judgement.
• Alongside the Service Manager, you will play a key role in the development of the annual Youth Justice Plan, which is approved by both local and national relevant boards.
• By building and maintaining strong relationships with organisations across the public, private, community and voluntary sectors, you will promote effective multi-agency working and ensure individuals receive coordinated support that enables the best possible outcomes.
• In partnership with the Service Manager, you will be responsible for monitoring and implement agreed actions to enhance service delivery and quality of practice, ensuring that children and families are at the centre of planning and involved in the decision‑making process.
• You will lead on the development and continuous improvement of services for victims, ensuring that practice is responsive to need.

• You must hold a recognised degree-level professional qualification relevant to the role, such as a social work or probation qualification or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• It is essential that you have up-to-date knowledge of youth justice legislation and evidence-based practice, with a strong understanding of effective approaches when working with children, young people and victims.
• We are looking for someone with significant post‑qualification experience within youth justice, including proven experience in management, leadership and staff supervision. You need to have had previous management training or a relevant management qualification.
• You will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, supported by a thorough understanding of current legislation and practice relating to youth justice and services for children and young people.
• Given the nature of the role, you will be able to work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners, making sound and effective decisions and successfully managing projects, programmes and operational activities.
• We require you to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels while managing confidential and highly sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

• This role is hybrid, with…