At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve justice social work services for communities in West Lothian.
- Company: West Lothian Council, committed to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workforce encouraged; make a real difference in public protection.
- Why this job: Shape impactful services and drive positive change in the community.
- Qualifications: BA in Social Work and experience in justice or related services required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
36 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Permanent
West Lothian Council is seeking an ambitious and experienced Group Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Justice Services. This is a pivotal senior role, offering the opportunity to shape, influence and continuously improve justice social work services that make a real difference to children, young people, adults and communities across West Lothian.
Working closely with the Senior Manager for Children and Justice Services, you will play a key role in the overall leadership, development and delivery of Justice Social Work, ensuring services are effective, evidence-informed, person-centred and aligned with national and local priorities.
You will provide professional leadership and operational management across a range of specialist justice services, including:
- Early Intervention and Assessment (Court)
- Justice Throughcare
- Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
- Community Payback
- Prison-Based Social Work
- Youth Justice and early intervention services
- Programmes Team
You will ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, outcomes-focused justice social work services, promoting public protection, reducing reoffending and supporting positive change for individuals and families.
You will have responsibility for operational aspects of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), Managing PMAP Panels under the PREVENT remit and for overseeing the lead officer role for Community Justice working across the Community Justice Partnership.
You will represent the service at local and national levels, contributing to relevant organisational, sectoral and national working groups. You will bring vision and ambition to the service, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
You will be an experienced social work manager with a strong track record of leading complex services and multi-disciplinary teams. You will have a deep understanding of public protection and partnership working, alongside the ability to balance strategic leadership with operational oversight.
You will:
- Ensure robust financial management and governance, delivering best value
- Foster strong communication and engagement, enabling meaningful participation from service users, staff, partners and communities
- Lead, support and inspire managers and staff through change and service development
- Demonstrate resilience and professional confidence when working with individuals who have committed violent and sexual offences
Essential requirements:
- BA in Social Work or another recognised and approved social work qualification
- Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
- Experience of working within justice or related statutory services
- Willingness and ability to undertake Regulated Work with children and protected adults, with a current PVG covering both groups
Desirable:
- Experience in the use of risk assessment tools including LSCMI, RoSH, SARA, SA07 and RM2000
- Strong understanding of national justice priorities, public protection and community justice arrangements
This is an opportunity to lead a highly skilled service at a time of significant challenge and opportunity within justice social work. You will be supported to influence practice, policy and partnerships, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and the safety of our communities.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3-month period by repayment schedule. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
To arrange an informal discussion please contact Pauline Cochrane, Senior Manager via email: Pauline.cochrane@westlothian.gov.uk
Group Manager - Justice Services, West Lothian Civic Centre, 501.12 - WEL10055 in Livingston employer: West Lothian Council
West Lothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and communities. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will have access to continuous training and support, fostering your growth as a leader in justice services. The council promotes a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued, making it a rewarding place to work in the heart of West Lothian.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager - Justice Services, West Lothian Civic Centre, 501.12 - WEL10055 in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the justice services sector. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in justice social work. Familiarise yourself with West Lothian Council’s initiatives and priorities. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for justice services and how your experience aligns with their goals. A confident delivery can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our community and contributing to meaningful change.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager - Justice Services, West Lothian Civic Centre, 501.12 - WEL10055 in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Group Manager role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our Justice Services!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love to see candidates who can inspire and motivate others.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity in West Lothian Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Group Manager role. Familiarise yourself with justice social work services, especially those mentioned in the job description like Early Intervention and Assessment and Community Payback. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading complex services and multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you’ve inspired change or improved outcomes. This is crucial for a senior role like this one.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research current national justice priorities and community justice arrangements. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will demonstrate your strategic thinking and alignment with the council's goals.
✨Engage and Connect
Be ready to discuss how you would foster strong communication and engagement with service users and partners. Think about ways to encourage meaningful participation and how you can lead staff through changes. This will show you’re not just a manager, but a leader who values collaboration.
