Salary: £34,434 to £35,412 per annum (pro rata equivalent £27,919 to £28,712 per annum)

(Full time equivalent £34,434 to £35,412 per annum)

Hours: 30 hours per week, days to be agreed

Location: 1 x Workington, Allerdale House, Workington, CA14 3YJ

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is looking to recruiting a dedicated Prevention Officer (Youth Justice Service) to support children aged 10-18 with social, emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. We have opportunities available in both Workington and Carlisle.

Joining our established team, the successful candidate will help improve outcomes for children, using their knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, Early Help processes, and commitment to early intervention.

As a Prevention Officer, you will work within the multi-agency Youth Justice Service to deliver effective prevention and targeted intervention to reduce offending and reoffending by children. The role involves working with a caseload of children, working on the Ministry of Justice Turnaround programme and developing the Cumberland Youth Justice Service prevention offer, to prevent children becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

You will be required to carry out assessments and work with children to develop plans, prepare and maintain accurate written records, and ensure the delivery of the Turnaround programme and the Youth Justice prevention offer. It is important that the voices of children are heard and informs assessment and direct work.

You will work closely with children and their families to prevent offending. To ensure positive outcomes and be passionate in working with children being proactive and thinking outside of the box to engage and carry out direct work with children.

The right candidate will have experience of working with and engaging children and families with complex needs. You will be able to take a strength-based approach to empower people to make changes, while demonstrating persistence to overcome any problems. Experience of managing challenging behaviour and working with complex issues is important.

These roles are available on a permanent basis.

Why join us?

• A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
• Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Andrew Kennedy by email at andrew.kennedy@cumbria.gov.uk

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

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.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 23^rd April 2026
• Interview date:  West Cumbria House, 8^th

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.”

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council