Youth Justice Operational Manager – AR

Job Details

Job Title

Deputy Service Manager – Youth Justice

Service Area

Youth Justice Service / Children’s Services

Job Purpose

To support the Service Manager in delivering high‑quality, effective Youth Justice services to children, young people, and their families. The postholder will deputise for the Service Manager as required and provide operational and strategic leadership across key thematic areas of the Youth Justice Service.

The role is responsible for managing a multi‑agency team, driving service improvement, assuring quality of practice, and ensuring services meet national standards and performance requirements so that children are supported to achieve positive outcomes and maximise their potential.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

  • Act as Deputy to the Service Manager, providing leadership and decision‑making in their absence.
  • Lead and manage a multi‑agency workforce, providing clear direction, professional supervision, performance management, and development support.
  • Promote a strong culture of accountability, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead on agreed thematic areas within the Youth Justice Service.

Service Delivery and Improvement

  • Implement the Service Development Plan and translate strategic priorities into effective operational delivery.
  • Develop and implement local action plans to improve outcomes, quality, and performance.
  • Lead and contribute to audits, inspections, and quality assurance activity.
  • Observe practice and provide constructive feedback to improve standards and consistency.

Quality Assurance and Performance

  • Ensure services meet National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), statutory duties, and inspection standards.
  • Monitor performance data, identify trends, and take action to address areas of underperformance.
  • Contribute to service self‑assessments, inspections, and external reporting.

Partnership and Multi‑Agency Working

  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies including Police, Probation, Health, Education, and voluntary sector partners.
  • Ensure children and families receive a coordinated, integrated, and holistic offer of support.
  • Represent the Youth Justice Service at partnership meetings and strategic forums as required.

Corporate Contribution

  • Work collaboratively across Children’s Services to support wider quality assurance and service improvement activity.
  • Contribute to corporate priorities and cross‑service initiatives.
  • Support budget monitoring and reporting and contribute to financial planning and external returns.

Leadership Competencies

The postholder must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Provide clear direction grounded in organisational values and vision.
  • Lead and manage change using a collaborative and inclusive approach.
  • Think and plan strategically while maintaining operational grip.
  • Lead people and performance effectively.
  • Work corporately and in partnership across organisations.
  • Communicate clearly, confidently, and persuasively.
  • Maintain a strong focus on excellence and outcomes.
  • Develop self and others through coaching, mentoring, and reflective practice.
  • Demonstrate personal resilience in a demanding environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience working within Youth Justice, Youth Offending, or a closely related statutory children’s service.
  • Proven experience of managing staff and leading practice improvement.
  • Strong understanding of Youth Justice legislation, guidance, and performance frameworks.
  • Experience of multi‑agency working and partnership leadership.
  • Ability to analyse performance data and drive service improvement.
  • Experience contributing to inspections, audits, or quality assurance processes.

Desirable

  • Experience deputising at Service Manager or equivalent level.
  • Experience of budget monitoring and financial reporting.
  • Experience of leading service change or transformation projects.

Values and Behaviours

  • Commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
  • Strong ethical practice aligned with organisational values.
  • Inclusive, collaborative, and respectful leadership style.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti‑discriminatory practice.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs.
  • Enhanced DBS clearance.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development.