Location: East London
Role: Youth Offending Service (YOS) Operations Manager (Social Worker Preferred)
Start: ASAP
Duration: 3–6 months initially (strong potential for extension)
Pay Rate: £39 – £41 per hour (via umbrella)
Working Pattern: Full-time, Mon–Fri | 2 days remote, 3 days office-based
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Contact: Faieq Bashar – 0203 475 4175 / fbashar@hg-mh.com
This is a key leadership opportunity within a well-established Youth Offending Service, overseeing both statutory and preventative youth justice work. You will:
Lead a multi-disciplinary YOS team delivering impactful interventions to reduce reoffending and first-time entrants into the youth justice system.
Provide direct oversight of complex and high-risk cases, including those involving serious youth violence, gangs, exploitation, and safeguarding concerns.
Supervise and support a team of staff, secondees, and partner agency professionals to deliver against national standards and local performance targets.
Ensure quality assurance, case compliance, and continuous improvement across the service.
Act as the operational lead with key stakeholders including the Police, Probation, Health, and Children’s Services.
Drive the implementation of youth justice plans, performance frameworks, and robust safeguarding practice.
We’re seeking a confident, values-driven professional with a strong background in youth justice or social care leadership. You’ll bring:
A relevant qualification (e.g. Social Work, Youth Justice, Probation).
Substantial experience managing youth offending services or similar settings.
Proven ability to lead safeguarding and risk-led responses in complex cases.
Understanding of YJB standards, inspection frameworks, and court processes.
A collaborative, organised and outcomes-focused leadership style.
Flexible hybrid working (2 days from home)
High-performing and supportive team
Opportunity to lead service delivery in a diverse borough
Strategic and operational influence on youth justice outcomes
Why Choose Hunter Gatherer Mental Health?
Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, incorporating HG Nursing and HG Doctors, is a leading UK recruitment agency for Mental Health Professionals, specialising in locum and permanent roles across the NHS and private sector. We help RMNs, CPNs, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Talking Therapists find high-quality jobs that match their skills and career goals.
With exclusive roles and a 4.8-star Google rating, we provide a trusted, hassle-free recruitment experience. We’re also ranked among the Top 10 UK Best Small Companies to Work For.
The benefits of working with us:
✔ Fast & simple locum registration – get set up quickly
✔ A network of like-minded mental health, nursing and medical professionals
✔ Reliable, high-paying locum jobs with bi-weekly payroll
✔ Specialist recruitment consultants who understand your field
✔ Exclusive NHS & private sector job opportunities
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✔ Industry insights, networking events & discounted CPD
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