Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
Torbay Youth Justice Service is seeking a qualified and motivated Social Worker to join our dynamic, child-centred team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people who are at risk of offending or have already become involved in the youth justice system.
You will play a central role in helping children and young people move towards safer, healthier, and more positive futures. We are looking for someone who believes in the potential of every young person—someone who understands the complexities of adolescence, the impact of trauma, and the systemic factors that can lead a young person into risky or criminal behaviour.
About Us
Torbay Youth Justice Service is proudly Trauma Informed and follows the Youth Justice Board’s Child First Principles, ensuring that our work is developmental, strengths?based, inclusive, and grounded in the rights and welfare of the child. We believe in hope, opportunity, and meaningful relationships as the foundation for change.
Our multi-agency team brings together professionals from a wide range of disciplines, and we are committed to working collaboratively to give young people the best chance of success.
What You Will Do
As our Social Worker, you will:
* Use your professional training and social work expertise to design effective, evidence based interventions tailored to each young person’s needs.
* Apply research, practice knowledge, and child development understanding to support young people away from harmful behaviour and towards positive outcomes.
* Work collaboratively within a multi-agency team, coordinating input from education, health, police, social care, and voluntary sector partners.
* Support the wider Youth Justice Service in strengthening its links with Children’s Services and ensuring that social care processes are effectively used to improve outcomes for children and families.
* Help colleagues navigate children’s social care systems, thresholds, and processes, enabling consistent and holistic support.
* Maintain a clear focus on progress, helping each young person move forward through goal focused planning and coordinated team effort.
* Champion the importance of self esteem, education, training, and employment as pathways to resilience and reduced offending.
* Identify and help remove barriers to education, training, and employment, working creatively and practically to widen opportunities for young people.
* Build relationships grounded in empathy, respect, and trauma informed practice.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
* Is a qualified Social Worker and registered with Social Work England.
* Has a strong commitment to working with young people involved in or at risk of offending.
* Understands the root causes of harmful behaviour and the importance of addressing needs holistically.
* Has experience supporting children, young people, and families to make positive changes.
* Can coordinate multi-agency support, bringing professionals together around a shared plan.
* Values reflective practice, trauma-informed approaches, and the Child First ethos.
Is organised, resilient, and able to maintain a clear focus on goals and progress.
* Believes in the potential of every young person and values relationship-based practice.
What We Offer
* A supportive, knowledgeable, and compassionate multi-agency team.
* Opportunities for training and professional development.
* A working environment rooted in Trauma Informed practice and Child First principles.
* The chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people, their families, and the wider community.
This post requires a Standard Criminal Level Check. This will show details of all spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered in line with legislation.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/social-worker-youth-justice-service/
For an informal chat please contact Amanda Patterson on 07770235364 or amanda.paterson@torbay.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 04th May 2026.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
* Commitment to the value of early intervention to prevent offending.
* Enthusiasm and Commitment to working with young people.
* Commitment to the objectives of the Youth Justice System.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
* Knowledge of the Crime and Disorder Act.
* Knowledge of the Children Act.
* Knowledge of YJB Principles of Child First Practice.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
* Social Work qualification e.g DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
* Current Registration Certification from General Social Care Council (or evidence of applied for).
* Child Protection Experience.
* Experience working in a multi-agency team.
Please review the available pages within the careers site .
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