Youth Justice Social Worker Visa Sponsorship UK

Job Description

Youth Justice Social Worker

Children’s Services – Youth Offending

Reference: 004853
Location: Borough Hall, Bedfordshire
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Grade: BBU10
Salary: £39,152 – £40,777 per annum
Additional Payments: Market Related Supplement (MRS) and enhanced benefits

About the Service

Bedfordshire Youth Justice Service is a dynamic and progressive multi-agency partnership committed to preventing youth crime and supporting children to build positive futures. We work closely with families, communities, and partner organisations to reduce reoffending while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of victims.

Our practice is firmly rooted in the Child First framework, ensuring that children are seen as children first, with strengths, potential, and the capacity for change.

The Role

We are seeking a qualified and motivated Social Worker to join our Youth Justice team. In this role, you will work directly with children and young people who are involved with, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. You will play a vital part in helping them move away from offending behaviour by delivering meaningful interventions and supporting long-term positive outcomes.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Children’s Services, education, health, police, and voluntary sector partners to provide coordinated, child-centred support.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from registered Social Workers who are passionate about youth justice and committed to inclusive, restorative, and strengths-based practice. You should be confident working in multi-agency settings and able to balance safeguarding responsibilities with constructive engagement.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we provide an attractive benefits package designed to recognise and retain talent:

• Market Related Supplement: £6,000 per annum (subject to annual review)
• Welcome Payment: £8,000 (terms to be confirmed)
• Retention Payment: £2,000 (terms to be confirmed)
• Ongoing professional development and supervision
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

Safeguarding and DBS Check

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Successful applicants must disclose any relevant convictions, cautions, or warnings in line with current legislation. Further guidance on DBS checks can be found on the official GOV.UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and may be able to offer visa sponsorship for this role to eligible candidates who are already based in the UK.

Equality, Inclusion and Commitments

Bedford Borough Council is proud to support:

• The Armed Forces Covenant
• The Care Leavers Covenant
• Disability Confident Level 2 status

We guarantee an interview to eligible applicants who meet the minimum criteria under these commitments.

How to Apply

To apply, please select “Apply for Vacancy” and upload your CV. You will also be asked to respond to a small number of application questions (yes/no). Your CV should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job profile.

• Closing Date: 5 January 2026
• Interview Date: 22 January 2026

For further information, please contact:
recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Additional Information

• Work pattern: Monday to Friday (with occasional weekend or bank holiday duties on a rota basis)
• This is a customer-facing role requiring fluent English
• Designated car user position
• Not a politically restricted role