At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to improve life chances for at-risk youth and shape innovative practices.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Youth Justice and Prevention Service, a forward-looking council.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, strong development opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and young people while driving positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth offenders and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
As a Team Manager, you will:
- 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
Why join us?
- 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:
Our Youth Justice Service works across the full spectrum of need:
- 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
We are committed to keeping children out of the justice system wherever possible and ensuring those who do enter it receive effective, supportive, and proportionate intervention.
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.
Additional information: Interview process will include a presentation.
What can we offer you! Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.
For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more? For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments.
For any further details or a discussion about the role please contact Stefania Tracey, YJS Service Manager at stef.tracey@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Youth Justice Team Manager - WMF2981e employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the life chances of children and young people, particularly those at risk of involvement in the youth justice system. With a strong focus on trauma-informed, relationship-based practice, we offer robust learning and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive leadership team committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Join us to make a real impact in our communities while enjoying a competitive pension scheme and various employee benefits.
Contact Details:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Team Manager - WMF2981e
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We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Team Manager - WMF2981e
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 Westmorland And Furness Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Westmorland And Furness Council! 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 Westmorland And Furness Council
✨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.
