Location: 2 posts (both 22.2 hours), one to cover Barrow and South Lakeland, the other Eden and South Lakeland. 

Contract Type: Fixed term until March 31^st 2029

About this opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Youth Justice low risk case manager to join Westmorland and Furness Youth Justice and Prevention Service.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated practitioner to join our Youth Justice Service to deliver the Turnaround Programme, a nationally funded early‑intervention initiative aimed at preventing children and young people from entering the youth justice system.

Who we are looking for…

The postholder will work directly with children aged 10–17 who are at risk of offending, providing timely, strengths‑based interventions that address underlying needs and reduce escalation into formal justice pathways. The role will involve close partnership working with police, Family Help services, neighbourhood policing teams, and wider partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver targeted Turnaround interventions to children at risk of entering the youth justice system.
• Undertake high‑quality assessments and develop holistic, needs‑led intervention plans.
• Engage children and families using a trauma‑informed, relational approach.
• Work closely with police colleagues through Prevent and Deter meetings and ASB‑focused pathways.
• Contribute to multi‑agency decision‑making, including MACH and panel processes.
• Maintain accurate case recording, performance data, and outcome reporting in line with programme requirements.
• Support safeguarding, risk management, and community safety objectives.

About You:

• An experienced practitioner with a background in youth justice, early help, youth work, or a related field.
• Strong assessment, planning, and direct‑work skills with children and families.
• Experience of multi‑agency working and managing complex risk.
• A clear understanding of early intervention, prevention, and diversion within the youth justice framework.
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a team environment.

You will need

• Relevant qualifications and CPD, educated to NVQ Level 3 / A‑Level / HNC / HND (or equivalent), with evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience in Youth Justice or a related field, including delivering evidence‑based, needs‑led interventions that improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Strong track record of engaging vulnerable children, young people, and families, with a clear understanding of barriers to engagement and how to overcome them.
• Excellent partnership and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multi‑agency settings, manage workload to agreed standards, and demonstrate a proactive, positive approach to change.

What do we do?

• We work early with children and families to prevent offending and reduce escalation into the youth justice system.
• We deliver timely, needs‑led and evidence‑based interventions that address the underlying causes of behaviour, including ASB.
• We use assessment‑informed, strengths‑based approaches to support children to make positive and sustainable changes.
• We work closely with police, Family Help, education, health, and community partners to provide coordinated, multi‑agency support.
• We prioritise diversion from formal justice processes, promoting accountability, restoration, and improved outcomes for children, families, and communities.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Sally McIntosh Sally.Mcintosh@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 21/05/2026

Interview date: 01/06/2026

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with children.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.