202512: Youth Justice Worker - HMP Feltham

HM Prison and Probation Service; City Of London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK public service is seeking a Youth Justice Worker to support children and young people in custody. This role emphasizes safety and personal development while dealing with young individuals who may have complex needs. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and a commitment to high care standards. The annual salary varies between £39,525 and £44,258 based on hours worked, with 25 days of holiday and additional benefits provided. This position requires applicants to meet specific legal and health standards.

Benefits

25 days’ annual holiday

Paid time off for public holidays

Civil Service pension up to 20% of salary

Cycling to work scheme

Qualifications

• Pass a DBS check and a medical and fitness test.
• Be at least 18 years old at the point of commencement of employment.
• Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the security and safety of children.
• Provide day-to-day support in a custodial setting.
• Handle interventions and manage behavioural issues.
• Collaborate with families or carers to meet needs.

Skills

Strong communication and influencing skills

Commitment to high standards of care and service

Effective decision-making abilities

Empathy and understanding

Ability to fulfil spoken aspects of the role in English

Familiarity with custodial environment (desirable)

Job description

Introduction

The Youth Custody Service is transforming its workforce and invites you to become a Youth Justice Worker. The role is similar to a prison officer but focuses on supporting children and young people in custody. It is vital in reshaping how young people are cared for in custodial environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the security and safety of children while providing day‑to‑day support in a custodial setting.
• Intervene when required, oversee and facilitate safe movement around the site.
• Provide supervision to ensure safety.
• Work with children and young people who may have serious offenses, challenging backgrounds and/or mental health needs.
• Handle interventions when necessary, including de‑escalating situations, managing behavioural issues and applying conflict‑resolution techniques.
• Collaborate with young people, their families or carers to agree on interventions or referrals that support their needs.
• Approach your work with respectful curiosity, balancing challenge and support to help young people reach their potential and stay safe.
• Work closely with other professionals and organisations to collectively improve outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to high standards of care and service.
• Effective decision‑making abilities.
• Empathy and understanding.
• Pass a DBS check and a medical and fitness test (eyesight, hearing and basic health screening).
• Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English (or Welsh, where specified).
• Be at least 18 years old at the point of commencement of employment.
• Meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Familiarity with work in a custodial environment is desirable but not required.

Application Process

The recruitment process includes:

• Stage 1: Online test covering basic judgement, numerical and written skills.
• Stage 2: Task‑based assessment.
• Online Assessment Centre (OAC): Evaluate your abilities, behaviours and strengths for the role.
• Merit list: Successful candidates are added to a merit list based on their OAC score; offers are made to the highest scorers.
• Waiting periods and merit list validity: 12‑month validity, with a six‑month waiting period for unsuccessful candidates.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary is based on weekly hours:

• 37 hours a week = £39,525 a year
• 39 hours a week = £41,892 a year
• 41 hours a week = £44,258 a year

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual holiday (increasing to 30 after 10 years’ service)
• Paid time off for public holidays and one extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension up to 20% of salary
• Cycling to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits

Additional Information

• Successful applicants must have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
• Individuals with a Skilled Worker visa held before 22 July 2025 may be considered for sponsorship; otherwise, sponsorship is not available.
• The role is physically active and requires a fit individual; a medical and fitness assessment will be conducted.
• Reasonable adjustment support is available; applicants must indicate any need during the application process.
• Applicants will undergo a criminal record check and baseline personnel security checks.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

The Civil Service is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. All qualified candidates are considered without discrimination.