Young Person Criminal Justice Worker (Lewisham)

Recovery Focus; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in England seeks a Young Person Criminal Justice Worker to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. You will deliver targeted interventions and promote recovery while working collaboratively with various agencies to support youth affected by substance misuse and the Criminal Justice System. The ideal candidate will have experience in youth work and a relevant qualification, demonstrating excellent communication and advocacy skills. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, alongside meaningful work.

Benefits

27 days’ annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Life assurance

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

£500 bonus

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts via Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people affected by substance use and/or the Criminal Justice System.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction, safeguarding and multi-agency working.
• Proactive and resilient approach.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted interventions addressing substance misuse and offending behaviour.
• Provide harm reduction and prevention strategies.
• Advocate for young people to ensure access to treatment and education.
• Maintain accurate case management records.
• Follow safeguarding procedures.

Skills

Experience with young people

Harm reduction understanding

Excellent communication skills

Advocacy skills

Building trust

Multi-agency working

Education

Relevant qualification in youth work, social care, or criminology

Job description

Young Person Criminal Justice Worker (Lewisham)

Location : Winslade Way, London

Working Hours : 37 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

Contract Type : Permanent

Salary : £28,69 - £34,730

Make a real difference in your community

At Insight Lewisham , we provide free, confidential support to young people under 25, offering guidance around substance use sexual health and relationships, while working with families to strengthen wellbeing and recovery.

About the Role

Do you have experience supporting young people affected by substance use and involvement in the criminal justice system? Are you passionate about empowering young people to make safer and more positive life choices?

We are seeking a Young Person Criminal Worker who will play a key role in tackling substance misuse risks, reducing reoffending, and improving the health and wellbeing of young people in Lewisham.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver targeted 1:1 and group interventions addressing substance misuse and offending behaviour
• Provide harm reduction, education, and prevention strategies to support recovery and resilience
• Promote positive family involvement in recovery and reduce the impact of substance-related harm
• Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services, Social Care, Education, Health and voluntary agencies
• Advocate for young people — ensuring access to treatment, education, training, and employment pathways
• Maintain accurate case management records including assessments and risk plans
• Deliver workshops on topics such as substance misuse, resilience, decision-making and wellbeing
• Follow safeguarding procedures and elevate concerns appropriately to keep young people safe

This is a diverse and highly rewarding role where your support will directly change futures for vulnerable young people.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience working with young people affected by substance use and / or the Criminal Justice System
• A strong understanding of harm reduction, safeguarding and multi-agency working
• Excellent communication, engagement and advocacy skills
• A proactive and resilient approach with the ability to build trust and rapport
• A relevant qualification in youth work, social care, substance misuse, criminology or similar

If you are committed to helping young people overcome barriers and build a life they value — we want to hear from you.

About Waythrough

Formed in 2024 through the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, Waythrough is now one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. With 3,500 staff and volunteers across more than 200 services, we help people to live full, meaningful lives.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3× annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24 / 7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our portals
• £500 bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and Accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities — especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team.

How to Apply

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via Company Website’ to view the full job description and submit your application.

Closing Date : 2025-12-26