Service Manager - Youth Justice and Contextual Safeguarding

Posted 20th Jun, 2025
Location
Merton
Salary/rate
£61,980 – £68,973
Hours
Full-time
Working arrangements
Blended
Contract type
Permanent
Closing date
6th Jul, 2025
About the role

The London Borough of Merton is "A place where children, young people and families feel they belong, stay safe and can thrive." 

We were judged outstanding in our last ILACs inspection and we are ambitious to build on our successes. Our vision is for our Borough to be a safe place for every child to grow up in and to give every child the best start in life. This has never been more important as our families face the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and legacy of Covid-19, and our leaders and managers are focused and committed to supporting staff to be creative, child focused and impactful in our work. 

In Merton, we have a blended practice model which combines Systemic Practice, Relationship Based Social Work and Signs of Safety and is embedded throughout all of our work with Children and Families. There is also a well-established and connected multiagency partnership and together we strive to:

  • make decisions alongside our children and families. 
  • keep children and families at the heart of our work. 
  • support children remaining in their families wherever it is safe to do so.
  • "Think Family" and focus on strengths. 
  • commit to doing what we say we will do. 
  • learn from what we do to improve the experiences of children, young people and families. 
  • celebrate difference. 
About you

We are looking for a service manager with strong operational management experience. You will need experience in working within Youth Justice and a strong understanding of safeguarding, both intra and extra familial. to lead and manage groups of social work Service, youth Justice & Contextual Safeguarding Service. The position offers a an exciting opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary service including all Youth Justice functions and contextual safeguarding.  In the role, you will undertake strategic planning, lead projects and be responsible for the operational management alongside your team managers.  All Merton Service Managers are well supported by experienced permanent Heads of Service.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of professionals and encourage representatives of Black and Minority Ethnic Groups to apply to Merton in the interests of valuing and promoting diversity within the senior leadership team.

About Merton

Merton is an outer borough in southwest London. Suburban in character, the borough has three main town centres: Wimbledon, Mitcham, and Morden. We want our to be a great place for every child to grow up in order to give them the best start in life. To do this, we need the best social work talent working with us. 

We offer a full range of employment benefits to ensure every member of staff feels valued and able to progress:

  • membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
  • wide range of professional development programmes available to enhance your career
  • flexible working
  • generous leave entitlement
  • parental leave and shared parental leave schemes
  • employee assistance programme (EAP) - free access for you and your family to expert advice and guidance on major life events, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
  • range of lunchtime exercise classes
  • discounted membership to our leisure centres
  • wellbeing programme - wellbeing champions and mental health support
  • occupational health service to help keep you healthy and safe at work
  • contribution towards eye test and glasses for display screen equipment (DSE) users
  • regular walking ‘step count’ challenge
  • Kaarp employee discount scheme - range of leisure activities, from days out to magazine subscriptions, as well as hair and beauty treatments, entertainment events and discounts at local restaurants
  • interest-free season ticket loan for public transport
  • cycle to work scheme
  • adult cycle training
  • running club
  • discounts on selected adult learning courses

If you like the sound of working in Merton, or want to know more about a specific role, please do not hesitate to contact recruitment@merton.gov.uk