Job Purpose: The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning and delivery of support services for individuals who have been involved in the justice system. This role involves supervising frontline staff, ensuring high-quality, person-centered support, and maintaining strong partnerships with community and statutory services. Lived experience of the justice system or related challenges is welcomed and valued as a strength that brings insight, authenticity and empathy to the role.
What You'll Bring
A passion for community empowerment and supporting individuals who have experience of the justice system.
·A commitment to social justice, mental wellbeing with a positive, inclusive, and asset‑based mindset—ready to listen, value induvial strengths, and build confidence.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Oversight:
* Lead the daily operations of a community-based project supporting justice-involved individuals.
* Oversee delivery of placements on Unpaid Work Orders.
* Enhance existing workstreams and develop new and innovative areas of work.
* Ensure services are delivered in line with organisational values, policies, and external contracts.
* Coordinate with stakeholders including Community Justice Social Work, probation services, housing providers, employers, and health services to create holistic support pathways.
* Ensure project performance meets agreed outcomes and reporting requirements.
Staff & Peer Leadership:
* Supervise a team of staff, volunteers, and/or peer mentors.
* Provide regular 1:1 supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training.
* Foster a supportive team culture that values lived experience and promotes shared learning.
* Support the recruitment and development of staff/volunteers with lived experience.
Service User Support & Safeguarding:
* Oversee casework to ensure trauma-informed, strengths-based support is provided.
* Review and approve risk assessments and support plans.
* Champion safeguarding practices, ensuring staff are confident and compliant with policy.
* Ensure service users are engaged, heard, and empowered in their own journey.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
* Track KPIs and collect outcome data to evaluate the project's impact.
* Use data to identify gaps, inform improvements, and contribute to service development.
* Assist with funding reports and strategic planning.
Person Specification:
Essential:
* Experience working with people affected by the criminal justice system, either professionally or personally.
* Proven ability to lead or supervise a team, ideally in a social care or justice-related setting.
* Understanding of barriers faced by justice-involved individuals (e.g., stigma, mental health, housing).
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practices.
* Confidence in working with multi-agency partners and managing professional boundaries.
* Full driving licence
Desirable:
* Lived experience of the justice system or of overcoming similar challenges (e.g., substance misuse, homelessness, systemic disadvantage).
* Experience supporting peer-led or co-produced programs.
* Relevant qualification in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or related fields.
* Knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered, or restorative approaches.
Other Requirements:
* Disclosure Scotland PVG.
* Willingness to work flexibly (occasional evenings/weekends).
* Commitment to continuous learning and reflective practice.
We Welcome Applications From People With Lived Experience
We actively encourage applications from people who have personal experience of the criminal justice system and are committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment for our team. We recognise that lived experience brings unique value to this work
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,000.00 per year
Experience:
* working with people affected by the criminal justice system: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person