Youth Justice Service Officer in Wolverhampton

Hours - 37

Contract type - 2 Full time, Fixed term contract posts

Work Style - Flexible

This is a Ministry of Justice grant funded post for 3 years up to March 2029, with potential continuation subject to future funding. We are seeking 2 YJS Officers for the Ministry of Justice Turnaround Programme, a national early intervention initiative extended for an additional 3 years (April 2026 - March 2029). This programme aims to deliver targeted preventative support to children aged 10–17 who are involved in anti-social behaviour or at risk of offending.

This is a voluntary programme informed by child first principles, strengths‑based and whole‑family practice, which focuses on early diversion, prevention and community‑based support. Wolverhampton YJS places children and victims at the heart of its service, we work collaboratively, bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds to form holistic support networks around each child.

Our priorities are to:

• Reduce anti-social behaviour and offending
• Deliver creative, evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.
• Promote safety, wellbeing, and resilience within the community.
• Reduce harm and the potential of harm for victims.
• Engage families and community networks to foster sustainable change.
• Champion child first, trauma-informed and restorative practices at every stage.

The successful person will be experienced and capable of forming and sustaining trusted relationships with children and their families at risk of anti-social behaviour and/or offending. You will require excellent assessment and written skills with the ability to creatively develop and deliver a range of interventions. The YJS is a multi-disciplinary team, and you must have the ability and attitude to work collaboratively, proactively contributing to the delivery of positive outcomes for children, families and victims.

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs or NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience working with children, especially those vulnerable or involved in offending, with evidence of understanding a trauma-informed approach to practice.
• Be able to manage effectively your own caseloads and work priorities.
• Demonstrate the skills and knowledge required in managing significant risks and safety concerns in the community.
• Excellent assessment, written, record keeping and report-writing skills.
• Experience forming and sustaining positive relationships with children and their family networks.
• Ability to design, deliver, and evaluate creative, evidence-based interventions.
• Proven initiative and confidence in taking responsibility for specific areas of practice and project development.
• Be able to recognise the uniqueness of each child and ensure that your practices promote inclusion.

A flexible response and attitude to work is necessary and there will be a requirement to work outside of core office hours and some weekends in line with the child’s need and service provision.

Benefits / What we offer

• A career development pathway and substantial training offer.
• Over 85% of our workforce are happy with the learning and development offer and 90% say there is a positive learning culture.
• Reimbursement of Blue Light card membership costs and Social Work England renewal fees.
• Four vibrant and active employee networks including four staff equality forums (Race Religion and Belief; Disability and Age; Gender Maternity and Paternity and LGBT+).
• Well embedded strengths-based practice framework which supports us to build strong relationships and connections.
• A commitment to eliminating discrimination and supporting employee wellbeing to ensure a good work/life balance, which includes a strong employee assistance scheme and access to numerous wellbeing resources.
• Supportive and flexible working arrangements, which includes some home working.
• Retail, leisure, legal and ethical savings and loans through our competitive rewards portal.

This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check. As part of the interview process you will be required to attend a formal panel interview which will be held at the Youth Justice Service offices at Retreat Street. You will be asked to complete a written exercise and participate in an activity with children. All details and guidance on the process will be shared with the shortlisted candidates.

Closing date: 15 May 2026.

For further information on these posts please contact Stephanie Howell (Service Manager) on Stephanie.Howell@wolverhampton.gov.uk or Toni Finlayson on toni.finlayson@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Diversity: We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion, and equality.