Team manager - youth justice service

How you'll make a difference

The Youth Justice Service (YJS), coordinated by the local authority and overseen by the Youth Justice Partnership Board (YJPB), delivers statutory youth justice functions in line with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and related legislation. The service works with children and young people subject to out-of-court disposals, community and custodial sentences and provides support to victims of youth crime.

As Team Manager, you will be working within the Family Help and Social Care Service, leading the operational delivery of the YJS, ensuring high-quality, effective support for victims, children, young people and their families. You will drive continuous improvement, promote excellent practice and work with partners to achieve the best possible outcomes, with the ambition of securing an 'Outstanding' at our next HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) judgement.

What you will be doing

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the YJS, ensuring that all statutory duties and responsibilities are effectively delivered. You will oversee operational performance, managing service demands and prioritising issues that require an immediate response.

Working closely with partners and stakeholders, you will ensure services are high-quality, customer-focused and deliver positive change for victims, children, young people and their families. You will provide leadership in resolving complex operational challenges and high-risk disputes through effective collaboration and professional judgement.

Alongside the Service Manager, you will play a key role in the development of the annual Youth Justice Plan, which is approved by both local and national relevant boards.

By building and maintaining strong relationships with organisations across the public, private, community and voluntary sectors, you will promote effective multi-agency working and ensure individuals receive coordinated support that enables the best possible outcomes.

In partnership with the Service Manager, you will be responsible for monitoring and implement agreed actions to enhance service delivery and quality of practice, ensuring that children and families are at the centre of planning and involved in the decision-making process.

You will lead on the development and continuous improvement of services for victims, ensuring that practice is responsive to need.

What we need from you

You must hold a recognised degree-level professional qualification relevant to the role, such as a social work or probation qualification or an equivalent relevant qualification.

It is essential that you have up-to-date knowledge of youth justice legislation and evidence-based practice, with a strong understanding of effective approaches when working with children, young people and victims.

We are looking for someone with significant post-qualification experience within youth justice, including proven experience in management, leadership and staff supervision. You need to have had previous management training or a relevant management qualification.

You will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, supported by a thorough understanding of current legislation and practice relating to youth justice and services for children and young people.

Given the nature of the role, you will be able to work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, making sound and effective decisions and successfully managing projects, programmes and operational activities.

We require you to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels while managing confidential and highly sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

What you need to know

This role is hybrid, with a mixture of working at our office at Patchway Police Centre and from home.

Please note that due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained.

You will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area so you must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle or have an alternative means of travel.

Interviews will be held on 29th September 2026.

How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different

As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.

We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.

We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work.

What’s special here is the strength of the team ethos, the support and the training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Ensuring all our staff are given right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.

Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.

We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of.

We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life.

We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential.

We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.

We’re making a difference, be part of it!

To view the full job description, please click this link: Team Manager - YJS - Job Description