Youth Justice Worker – Advance into Justice
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Youth Justice Worker – Advance into Justice
[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is hiring Youth Justice Workers to support and safeguard children and young people in custody at HMP YOI Wetherby, Werrington, and Feltham. This 2-year fixed-term role (with potential to convert to permanent) is open to Armed Forces veterans and families. No formal qualifications required; training provided. Salary £33,746 - £39,525 per year depending on location.
Job Details
Business Unit: Feltham A, Werrington, Wetherby
Date published: 29-Apr-2026
Working time: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Closing date: 13-May-2026
Civil Service Grade: AO
Job ID: 16857
Vacancy type: 2 Year Fixed Term
Locations: HMP Wetherby, HMP Werrington, HMP Feltham
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for this role, subject to eligibility and in accordance with the UK Immigration Rules.
Advance into Justice is a recruitment scheme targeted at supporting those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families into employment within operational roles within HMPPS.
Job Description
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
Someone like you: The Youth Custody Service is transforming its workforce, and we invite you to be part of this journey. The youth justice worker role is similar to that of a prison officer, but specifically focused on supporting children and young people in custody.
An extraordinary job: You will be working with children and young people who may have committed serious offenses, come from challenging backgrounds, and/or have mental health needs.
Essential Skills
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Commitment to high standards of care and service
- Effective decision-making abilities
- Empathy and understanding
As a practitioner, you will work with children, young people, and their families or carers to help achieve meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. You will:
- Show a passion for supporting children, young people, and families
- be skilled in identifying and assessing the complex needs of the children and young people you work with
- collaborate with young people, their families, or carers to agree on interventions or referrals that support their needs
- handle interventions when necessary, including de-escalating situations, managing behavioural issues, and applying conflict resolution techniques
- approach your work with respectful curiosity, balancing challenge and support
- work closely with other professionals and organisations to collectively improve outcomes
Following successful completion of your 12-month probationary period you will also be offered the opportunity to undertake a Level 4 Qualification focussed on working with children and young people in custody.
Eligibility
- be at least 18 years old
- meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
- pass a medical and fitness assessment
- meet eyesight and hearing standards
- tattoos must not be offensive
Nationality requirements: Open to UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work, EU/EEA nationals with settled status, and others as per UK Immigration Rules.
Pay and Benefits
Salary: National (37 hours) – £33,746 including unsocial hours allowance. Outer London (Feltham) – £39,525 including market supplement. Shift patterns include evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
- 25 days annual holiday (rising to 30 after 10 years)
- paid public holidays plus 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Assessment Process
Online tests (stage 1 and stage 2), then an online assessment centre. You will be assessed on behaviours, strengths, and abilities: communicating and influencing, managing a quality service, making effective decisions, caring.
If successful, you will be placed on a merit list for up to 12 months.
Contact and Additional Information
For assistance call [contact hidden] or email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal][contact hidden]. Quote job reference 16857.
The [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates.
This post requires a DBS Enhanced check.
Closing date: 13th May 2026