Youth Justice Officer

Organisation

Southampton City Council

Service Area

Young Peoples Service

Job Location

Civic Centre

Contract Length

Fixed term until July 2027

Work Hours

Full time - 37 hours per week

Salary

£41,771 - £46,141 per annum

Special Requirements

Enhanced DBS check required for this post

Closing Date

27/11/2025

Job Reference

16197

Youth Justice Officer - Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Youth Justice Officer to join Southampton Youth Justice within Southampton City Council. This is a key role in our multi-disciplinary team and primarily you will be expected to engage, assess and work directly with children aged years who are at risk of offending or who have offended. The Southampton Youth Justice Service are seeking someone with a strong background in working with children who pose a risk of harm to others, and an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. This post is funded to support children who are at risk of remand and custody, and we are particularly keen to hear from experienced probation officers or professionals with equivalent expertise.

Southampton is a city facing real challenges around serious youth violence, and our Youth Justice Service is at the heart of the response. We are a high-performing, creative, and committed team working with children who present complex risks and vulnerabilities. We're looking for someone who shares our passion for supporting children in the justice system and who brings expertise, energy, and a strong sense of purpose. If you are ready to lead on high-risk cases, contribute to innovative solutions, and help shape safer futures for children and communities, we would love to hear from you.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Fixed Term, Full Time Youth Justice Officer join Southampton City Council (SCC) in the Youth Justice Services Team.

About the team:

Join a passionate, multi-disciplinary Youth Justice Service team dedicated to safeguarding young people and reducing offending. You'll work alongside experienced Youth Justice Officers, a supportive Team Manager, and partner agencies including Children's Services, Police, Probation, and schools. Our team values collaboration, evidence-based practice, and innovation to deliver impactful interventions and positive outcomes for young people and their families.

About the role:

In this role you will be:

• Managing a caseload of high-risk children, including those who are bailed or convicted of serious offences triggering multi-agency public protection arrangements.
• Devising and delivering bail packages for those children who are at risk of remand incorporating stringent conditions such as ISS.
• Writing Pre-Sentence Reports at pace, with clarity and precision.
• Leading on risk assessment and risk management, ensuring that robust and responsive plans are put in place. Completing both SAVRY and AIM3 assessments once trained in these tools.
• Working with children subject to notices of supervision and licences, supporting their transition and rehabilitation.
• Identifying and preparing eligible children for a successful transition to the Probation Service.
• Designing and delivering structured intervention packages that promote change while prioritising safety.
• Collaborating with partners to address domestic abuse and sexual harm, which are increasing concerns in our cohort.

For further information about this role please view the job description.

About you:

Essential Skills:

• Probation Officer qualification or equivalent.
• Previous experience of working with Children & Families in a Social Work /Care/Youth/YJS or criminal justice setting (paid or voluntary) or a related field.
• range of professionals on work relating to children and families, criminal justice and young people.
• Expertise in working with children who present a risk to others, including those in custody.
• Confidence in writing high-quality reports and assessments under pressure.
• A commitment to safeguarding and creating safe, structured environments for change.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach to complex cases.
• Strong partnership working skills and a belief in the potential of every child.
• Good knowledge of parenting strategies, child development, particularly with regards to parents of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, special educational needs and disability.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of policies, statutory regulations and guidance relating to criminal justice, youth justice, CPS and Court processes.
• Experience and application of ASSET+ or equivalent assessment frameworks, preferably in a criminal justice setting.

If you feel you have the necessary background, experience, and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.

What we can offer you:

Salary: The salary band for this role is £41,771 - £46,141 per annum. The starting salary is £41,771 with annual progression through the salary bands.

Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:Employee benefits )

Recruitment contact details:

Email:

Tel:

For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council

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