youth justice worker in City of London

All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. The Youth Custody Service role is focused on supporting children and young people in custody, with emphasis on safety, security and day-to-day support in a custodial setting. Comprehensive training and development will equip you to understand the diverse backgrounds and individual circumstances of those in youth custody and how your responses in complex or dynamic situations can help these individuals build better futures. You will be working with children and young people who may have committed serious offenses and may have mental health needs. A DBS check is required.

This role involves working in a custodial environment and includes assessment of rights to work in the UK as part of the application process. The department will comply with UK Immigration Rules. Reading about Skilled Worker visas and eligibility requirements is available through the official government links in the application information centre.

The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent. This role may involve working shifts that include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, with a standard probationary period of 12 months and a pathway to further professional qualifications.

• Provide day-to-day support to children and young people in custody while ensuring safety and security.
• Oversee and facilitate safe movement around the site and provide supervision to ensure safety.
• Engage with children and young people who may have challenging backgrounds and/or mental health needs and support their future progress.
• Identify and respond to complex needs, de-escalate situations, manage behavioral issues and apply conflict resolution techniques.
• Collaborate with other professionals and organisations to improve outcomes for the children and young people you work with.
• Participate in ongoing training and development, including safeguarding and child protection.
• Complete a 12-month probationary period and, on successful completion, undertake a Level 4 qualification focused on working with children and young people in custody with opportunities to progress to a band 4 Youth Justice Worker Specialist role.
• Attend a medical and fitness assessment as part of the application process (eyesight, hearing, and basic health screening).

• No formal qualifications required to become a youth justice worker; personal qualities are important.
• Demonstrate strong communication and influencing skills, commitment to high standards of care, effective decision-making, empathy and understanding.
• Be at least 18 years old at the start of employment.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements and pass a medical and fitness assessment; eyesight standard in both eyes; suitable hearing without aids; and a physically active role.
• Travel to work: driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not always essential.
• Disclose any tattoos; facial tattoos may not be acceptable unless for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
• Reasonable adjustment support is available for online tests and assessments as part of the process.
• Armed Forces veterans may be eligible for a guaranteed interview scheme where applicable.
• Compliance with immigration rules is required; if you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to the 22 July 2025 changes, eligibility will be assessed; otherwise you will need to consider your right to work in the UK.

Initial training is 37 hours a week; after training, options to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Salary figures reflect weekly hours and include applicable allowances: 37 hours = £39,525; 39 hours = £41,892; 41 hours = £44,258. Other benefits include 25 days' annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years), paid time off for public holidays and an extra privilege day, Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%, cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.

During the recruitment process you will be assessed on behaviours, strengths and abilities needed to become an effective youth justice worker, including communication, service quality, decision-making and caring responsibilities.