Restorative Justice Worker WMF3211e

Location: Penrith and Kendal
Contract Type: Permanent

About this opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Youth Justice and Prevention Service at a time when we are strengthening and developing our victim and restorative justice offer.

Working within a skilled multi-agency team, you will play a key role in ensuring that the voices of victims are heard, their needs are understood, and they are supported to make informed choices about their involvement in restorative justice processes. You will provide direct support to victims of youth crime, undertake assessments, facilitate restorative interventions, and help children and young people understand the impact of their behaviour and take meaningful steps to repair harm.

As our Restorative Justice Worker, you will lead on developing restorative and victim-focused practice across the service, working closely with colleagues, victims, families, Police, Probation, Victim Support and other partners. You will also coordinate community reparation opportunities that enable children and young people to make positive contributions to the communities affected by youth crime.

This is a rewarding role for someone who is passionate about delivering child-first, trauma-informed practice and making a positive difference to the lives of victims, children, young people and communities across Westmorland and Furness.

Who we are looking for…

You will have a strong understanding of restorative justice principles and victim-centred practice, together with the ability to undertake detailed assessments, identify and manage risk, and maintain accurate records. Experience of facilitating restorative interventions, mediation, family group conferencing or similar approaches would be highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator who can build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, including those who may have experienced trauma, conflict or disadvantage. You will be confident working independently whilst also collaborating effectively with partner agencies to achieve better outcomes.

You will share our commitment to child-first practice, safeguarding, inclusion and continuous improvement, and will bring the enthusiasm and professionalism needed to help further develop restorative justice and victim services across Westmorland and Furness. A willingness to undertake further training and accreditation in restorative justice is essential.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Sally.mcintosh@cumbria.gov.uk

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 25/11/26

Interview date: 07/12/26

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.