Social Worker (Justice) - Newkirkgate Social Work Centre in Midlothian

Women's Justice Social Worker - Fixed Term until 31/03/2027

Newkirkgate Social Work Centre Edinburgh Justice Services are committed to providing high quality services while ensuring a compassionate approach to people accessing our services and supporting staff wellbeing. We offer a high level of training to support continuous professional development and to deliver a broad range of interventions, including established accredited group work programmes.

We are implementing Trauma Informed Care and Restorative Justice practice models and interventions across our services and have established a Women’s Centre, from where all Justice Services for women are delivered, to reduce barriers and meet the needs of women involved in the Justice System. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Willow Service, where we offer trauma informed, evidence based and gender specific services.

Women that are aged 18 and above can attend as part of a statutory order or voluntarily, including women entitled to support due to their partner’s/ex-partner’s involvement with the Caledonian system. The team is multi-disciplinary and includes justice workers, social workers, psychologists, nursing staff as well as key 3rd sector partners and peer supporters, all of whom contribute to the delivery of a range of interventions and support offered to the women in an integrated way. This includes the provision of one to one and group work interventions as well as community outreach support.

The post is open to female candidates only (Occupational Requirement exception under Equality Act 2010). The post holder will contribute to a broad range of provision alongside colleagues from other disciplines/services. The post holder will be an experienced social worker, with an in-depth knowledge of the justice system and understanding about the specific issues facing women. They will have worked with people experiencing mental health difficulties and affected by complex trauma and an understanding of best practice approaches.

The post requires experience in the assessment and management of risk, working within various legal frameworks within justice including utilising knowledge of adult support and protection legislation. This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more abroad with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Records Check will be required. This check must be provided. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.