At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families, delivering creative interventions for positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Bristol City Council's Youth Justice Service, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and specialisation in impactful areas of practice.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives and enhancing community safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or youth work, with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 39152 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: VAC008589
Date posted: 23/07/2026
Application closing date: 18/08/2026
Location: City Hall, College Green, City Centre, Bristol BS1 5TR
Salary: BG10: £35,412 - £39,152
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: Social Care, Youth and Communities
This is an opportunity for professionals to join our skilled and committed team working with children in a challenging but rewarding role. We are recruiting to both Permanent and 12 month Fixed Term contracts. This role sits within a linked grading structure, offering clear progression pathways based on performance and experience.
Bristol Youth Justice Service is a multi-agency team that works with children who are in, or at risk of coming into, the youth justice system. The team works with other agencies to promote positive outcomes for children, increase safety for children and others, and provide restorative justice opportunities for victims.
The role of the YJS Practitioner is to work collaboratively with children, their families and partner agencies to devise and deliver creative and innovative interventions that lead to positive outcomes for children, and increased safety for children and communities. This includes working with children in custodial settings as well as in the community, and in the pre-court, Youth and Crown Courts.
There is an opportunity to develop expertise in particular areas of practice such as harmful sexual behaviour, serious youth violence, restorative justice or addressing disproportionality. We are looking for skilled, committed practitioners who can build positive relationships with children, carers and partners, and who are committed to achieving these aims.
Bristol YJS uses trauma-informed and Child First practice and works alongside partners to prevent and reduce harm outside of the home. This role is emotionally challenging and involves working with vulnerable children who may pose a risk to the safety of themselves or others. Regular supervision, support and training is provided. Please note that the role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.
Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including:
- Flexible working and flexitime
- Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme
- A generous annual leave allowance
For permanent Bristol City Council employees, this post will be a secondment. For employees who are currently on a fixed term contract with Bristol City Council, the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed term period to ensure there is a substantive post to return to. If you are currently a casual worker or a member of an employment agency (currently working with Bristol City Council) this post will be a fixed term contract.
We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.
If you require further information please contact Dave Hathaway, YJS Service Manager, at dave.hathaway@bristol.gov.uk
Open morning: 10:00am - 12:00noon on 13th August 2026 at City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Drop in anytime for an informal chat about the role. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the team, ask questions, and gain insight into the varied and impactful work we do.
At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.
Youth Justice Service Practitioner in Bristol employer: Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Trauma-Informed Recovery Navigator, you will benefit from flexible working hours and generous leave allowances, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in a role that not only fosters collaboration with various services but also empowers you to contribute to the recovery journey of individuals facing complex challenges.