Location: Multiple basis in Kendal, Penrith, Barrow – but focus of work will be in Eden and Kendal
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
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
- 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
- Preventing first‑time entry into the youth justice system
- Supporting children subject to out‑of‑court disposals and court orders
- Working with children in custody and supporting their resettlement
- Delivering services for victims, including restorative justice approaches
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
You will hold a relevant professional qualification and either have or be willing to work towards the required youth justice practice certification.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Details:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruitment Team
