At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to improve life chances for young people in the justice system.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a forward-looking service dedicated to youth justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and strong learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while shaping innovative practices.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth offending and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 48226 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated manager to join our leadership team within Westmorland and Furness Youth Justice and Prevention Service as a Team Manager. We are looking for a confident, values-driven leader who is passionate about improving life chances for children and young people, particularly those at risk of, or already involved in, the youth justice system. This is your opportunity to shape practice, lead innovation and deliver real impact across our communities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, driving high-quality, trauma-informed and child-centred practice.
- Hold oversight of the full youth justice pathway, from prevention and diversion through to statutory interventions and resettlement.
- Provide strong operational leadership, including duty management and complex decision-making.
- Drive performance and quality, ensuring the service consistently meets the highest professional standards.
- Influence system-wide working, strengthening partnerships across children’s services, police, courts, health and community organisations.
- Play a key role in shaping and developing our service, contributing to innovation and continuous improvement.
Why join us?
- Be part of a forward-looking service focused on prevention, early intervention and reducing reoffending.
- Influence strategic direction and service design within a supportive senior leadership team.
- Develop your career within a council committed to continuous improvement and workforce development.
- Work in a system that is ambitious for children, with a strong focus on trauma-informed, relationship-based practice.
We offer
- Strong learning and development opportunities, including leadership development.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension Scheme and additional pension options.
- Staff benefits and discounts.
- Relocation support where applicable.
About the Role
- Prevent first‑time entry into the youth justice system.
- Support children subject to out‑of‑court disposals and court orders.
- Work with children in custody and support their resettlement.
- Deliver services for victims, including restorative justice approaches.
We are committed to keeping children out of the justice system wherever possible and ensuring those who do enter it receive effective, supportive and proportionate intervention.
Who we are looking for
- Has substantial experience working with children and young people who offend.
- Brings strong experience in managing risk and complex cases.
- Can confidently lead multi‑agency partnership working to achieve better outcomes for families.
- Is committed to high standards of practice, including trauma‑informed and evidence-based approaches.
- Has the ability to lead, motivate and develop staff, creating a culture of accountability and improvement.
- Will hold a relevant professional qualification and either have or be willing to work towards the required youth justice practice certification.
Additional information
Interview process will include a presentation.
What we offer you
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other perks and discounts.
Contact
For any further details or a discussion about the role please contact Stefania Tracey, YJS Service Manager at stef.tracey@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Youth Justice Team Manager – WMF2981e employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the life chances of children and young people in our communities. With a strong focus on trauma-informed, relationship-based practice, we offer robust learning and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive leadership team that values innovation and continuous improvement. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a competitive pension scheme and various staff benefits in the beautiful setting of Cumbria.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Team Manager – WMF2981e
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Kirklees Metropolitan Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Kirklees Metropolitan Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Team Manager – WMF2981e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
