Overview
The Youth Custody Service is looking for a Youth Justice Worker to support children and young people in custody. The role is similar to that of a prison officer but focused on safeguarding, rehabilitation and supporting vulnerable young individuals.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the security and safety of children and young people in a custodial setting.
- Provide day‑to‑day support, interventions, and supervision to meet the needs and manage behaviour of young people.
- Oversee safe movement around the site and facilitate safe transport and transfer procedures.
- Collaborate with families, carers, and other professionals to agree on interventions or referrals that support the young person’s needs.
- Apply conflict‑resolution techniques, de‑escalate situations and implement child‑protective measures.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records and ensure compliance with safeguarding policy.
- Diligently support the development of young people to help them build a better future.
Key Qualifications
- Minimum age 18 years at commencement of employment.
- Valid right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
- Strong communication, influencing, and decision‑making skills.
- Empathy, understanding and the ability to work with vulnerable children and young people.
- Ability to work within the safeguarding and child‑protection framework.
- Physical fitness meeting UK medical and fitness assessment standards (eyesight, hearing, general health).
- DBS check and suitability for a custodial environment.
Training and Career Progression
Following a 12‑month probationary period you will be invited to undertake a Level 4 Qualification focused on working with children and young people in custody. Successful completion allows progression to a Band 4 Youth Justice Worker Specialist role.
Working Hours and Salary
- Initial training period: 37 hours per week.
- Post‑training options: 37, 39 or 41 hours per week, with corresponding annual salaries (37 hrs = £33,746; 39 hrs = £35,875; 41 hrs = £38,003).
- Standard shift pattern: 39 hours per week with evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays; shift start and finish times are fixed.
- Annual holiday: 25 days (increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service), plus paid public holidays and an extra privilege day.
- Additional benefits: Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution), cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loan and other employee benefits.
Additional Requirements
- Strong command of spoken English (Welsh speaking skills may be required for some posts).
- Compliance with all safeguarding policies of the organisation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a suitable standard of hearing (no hearing aids).
- All candidates must meet the required eyesight standard with and without corrective lenses.
Equality and Diversity Statement
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, nationality, gender or any other status is prohibited. The MoJ is a Disability Confident employer and provides reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. All promotions and decisions are made on the basis of competence and promotion potential.
