Deputy Head of Youth Justice Service

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council - Countywide
• £56,849 per annum (pro rata if part time)
• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

Suffolk Youth Justice Service has an exciting opportunity for the right person to become Deputy Head of Service.

You will help provide strategic leadership and direction to the Suffolk Youth Justice Service (SYJS) and will have a key role to play in ensuring that service delivery in teams is in line with legislation, standards, guidance, and effective practice principles. You will also assist the Head of Service to ensure that the aims and objectives of the annual Youth Justice Plan are successfully delivered.

Your role and responsibilities

You will:

• dynamically manage teams to deliver high-quality, effective, youth justice services
• oversee high-quality complex casework with children. This will include ensuring effective management of risk of harm to others; the safety and wellbeing of the child; and work to support desistance from offending
• lead changes in culture, policy and practice, motivating staff to commit to successful working practices that lead to the best outcomes
• build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

You will need

• significant knowledge and experience at a senior level of managing service delivery in a youth justice team, children's social care or probation setting
• a professional qualification in social work or probation would be an advantage
• proven ability to successfully lead a service improvement programme in a complex setting
• comprehensive understanding of the legislation, standards, policy and procedures that govern the delivery of youth justice services and a full understanding of effective practice in a youth justice setting
• experience in managing a multi-agency team.

Within this role you will be expected to work towards the Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC) unless you already hold it or an equivalent qualification. The YJEPC will be fully funded by Suffolk Youth Justice Service.

Some weekend and evening work will be required regularly.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Suffolk Youth Justice Service (SYJS) works with children, in, or on the edge of the Youth Justice System. The service also works with parents and carers and the victims of youth crime. SYJS is a multi-agency partnership hosted by Suffolk County Council and governance is through a multi-agency Management Board. The principal aim of the service is to prevent offending by children. Jointly with the Police, SYJS runs a Diversion Programme which enables suitable children to be diverted from the formal youth justice system. It also delivers the Ministry of Justice funded Turnaround programme which offers targeted prevention to children where there is clear evidence that they are on the edge of offending. SYJS is made up of three operational teams based in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Lowestoft and a small Headquarters team.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report

For more information

Please contact Catherine Bennett for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07753 310241 or emailing catherine.bennett@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Can you describe a situation where you had to lead a significant change in policy or practice within a youth justice or similar setting? What challenges did you face, and how did you motivate your team to embrace the change?
2. Describe your approach to ensuring that service delivery aligns with relevant legislation, standards, and best practices in youth justice.
3. Tell us about your experience in implementing and maintaining quality assurance processes. How did you ensure high standards of service delivery?
4. Can you give an example of how you've used innovation or creativity to solve a complex problem in your previous roles?

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 10 November 2024

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).