At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to improve outcomes for individuals in the Criminal Justice System.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and support those facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Management experience in substance use or Criminal Justice services required.
The predicted salary is between 35920 - 51640 £ per year.
Location: Enfield and Haringey, London
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £35,920 to £51,640
Make a real difference in your community. Are you an experienced leader with a passion for improving outcomes for people affected by substance use and involvement with the Criminal Justice System? Join Waythrough and lead our dedicated Criminal Justice Teams in Enfield and Haringey, working alongside NHS colleagues and a wide range of partner agencies to deliver high-quality, integrated recovery services.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop Criminal Justice pathways into drug and alcohol treatment, supporting individuals experiencing complex needs including homelessness, mental ill health, domestic abuse and social exclusion. As we continue to transform and develop our London services, you'll play a pivotal role in driving innovation, partnership working and excellent service delivery.
About the Role: As Criminal Justice Service Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our Criminal Justice service, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred interventions across multiple Criminal Justice settings. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, oversee service performance, manage key partnerships and ensure contractual and organisational objectives are achieved. Working closely with senior managers and external stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement while maintaining a strong focus on quality, governance and positive outcomes for the people we support.
What You'll Do:
- Provide day-to-day operational leadership and management of the Criminal Justice Team, fostering a positive, high-performing and inclusive culture.
- Lead, motivate and develop Team Leaders and Recovery Coordinators through effective supervision, coaching and performance management.
- Oversee service delivery across Criminal Justice settings, including probation, prisons, police custody, courts and community-based services.
- Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships with Criminal Justice agencies, commissioners, healthcare providers and local stakeholders to strengthen treatment pathways.
- Monitor service performance against contractual targets, KPIs and quality standards, using data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure robust safeguarding, clinical governance, information governance and risk management processes are embedded across the service.
- Manage resources effectively, including staffing, budgets and workforce planning, ensuring services remain responsive to local need.
- Lead on service development initiatives, implementing new ways of working that improve access, engagement and recovery outcomes.
- Promote a whole-person approach to care, ensuring services address substance use alongside housing, mental health, physical health, employment and wider wellbeing needs.
- Represent the service confidently at partnership meetings, strategic forums and multi-agency networks, acting as an ambassador for Waythrough.
To Succeed in This Role, You'll Need:
- Significant management experience within substance use, health, social care or Criminal Justice services.
- A strong understanding of the Criminal Justice System and pathways into treatment and recovery.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering high-quality, person-centred services.
- Experience managing performance against contracts, KPIs, quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrable success in developing effective partnerships across statutory and voluntary sector organisations.
- Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to motivate teams through change.
- Experience analysing service performance data and using insights to improve outcomes.
- A sound understanding of safeguarding, governance, risk management and continuous quality improvement.
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and delivering compassionate, recovery-focused services that empower people to achieve lasting change.
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough: Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
What We Offer: We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility: Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Criminal Justice Service Manager employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to impactful change, we offer a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and various well-being initiatives, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about guiding individuals towards recovery. Join us in a role where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Justice Service Manager
✨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 Waythrough.
✨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 Waythrough!
✨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 Waythrough, 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 Waythrough 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 Criminal Justice Service Manager
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 Waythrough:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Waythrough! 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 Waythrough
✨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.
