Job Description

Permanent | Full-Time | Competitive Salary | Aspirant Leader Development Programme
Introduction
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Southampton City Council's Youth Justice Service as a Team Manager. These posts have not been available for over a decade, reflecting the stability and strength of our team. Our Children's Services are rated Good with Outstanding Leadership by Ofsted, and our Youth Justice Service is graded Good by HMIP. A recent pilot inspection confirmed high-quality work at all levels and praised our proactive response to risk management and our committed, child-first approach.
About the Role
As Team Manager, you will lead a skilled and passionate multi-disciplinary team delivering high-quality youth justice interventions. You will oversee risk management, ensure safeguarding is prioritised, and drive service improvement in a complex and high-risk environment. You will be part of a well-resourced Vulnerable Adolescent Service, working alongside Police, Probation, substance misuse services, Southampton Football Club, and Durham University's Risk Outside the Home programme.
About the Service
Southampton's Youth Justice Service is:

• Child-first, trauma-informed, and relational
• Dynamic, flexible, and effective
• Focused on learning, skills development, and protective factors
• Embedded in strong multi-agency partnerships
• Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion

We support children from diverse backgrounds and actively encourage applications from individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and help us deliver an equitable, responsive, and effective service.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a multi-agency team delivering youth justice services
• Oversee risk management and safeguarding processes
• Drive innovation and service improvement
• Represent the service in strategic forums and multi-agency panels
• Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities and inspection frameworks

Essential Experience & Qualifications
We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in social work, youth justice, probation, or related fields. You should have:

• Proven experience in youth justice or working with vulnerable adolescents
• Experience managing complex risk and safeguarding concerns
• Leadership experience (formal or informal) in a multi-agency setting
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., social work, probation, youth work) is desirable

About you:

• Dedicated to the child-first agenda
• Innovative and solution-focused
• Personally resilient and able to build resilience in others
• Relational in your leadership and practice
• Skilled in partnership working and achieving through others
• Competent in risk management and safeguarding
• A strong advocate for children and their needs
• Fun to work with and able to foster a positive, lively team culture

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and generous pension scheme
• A permanent, full-time position in a stable and supportive team
• Access to systemic practice training and informal learning opportunities
• A personalised aspirant leader development programme
• Flexible working arrangements
• A vibrant, inclusive team culture that celebrates success and supports each other

What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is 57,755 - 65,222 per annum The starting salary is 57,755 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent

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:
Please note: We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the role please contact, Service Manager - Youth Justice Service Anna Harbridge or 07515 155293.
Recruitment contact details:
Email:
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit
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We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and from underrepresented communities. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
Organisation
Southampton City Council
Service Area
Young Peoples Service
Job Location
Civic Centre
Contract Length
Permanent
Work Hours
Full time 37 hours per week
Salary
57,755 to 65,222 per annum
Special Requirements
Enhanced DBS check will be required
Closing Date
22/10/2025
Job Reference
16090
Documents
(PDF, 188.82kb)

Skills Required