Group Manager - Justice Services (Service Manager), West Lothian Civic Centre, 507.30

Job Advert

36 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Permanent

Lead Change. Improve Lives. Strengthen Communities.

West Lothian Council is seeking an ambitious and visionary Group Manager for Justice Services to lead and shape a high-performing service at a pivotal time for justice reform in Scotland. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals, families and communities by leading services that promote rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and enhance public protection.

As part of the senior leadership team within Children and Justice Services, you will help deliver the ambitions of Scotland's community justice agenda by driving innovation, strengthening partnerships and ensuring people receive the right support at the right time. Working alongside statutory and third-sector partners, you will champion person-centered approaches that support recovery, resilience and positive life chances while contributing to safer, stronger communities.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a diverse portfolio of services including Court Services, Throughcare, Community Payback, Drug Treatment and Testing Orders, Prison-Based Social Work, Youth Justice and specialist interventions including Accredited Programmes. You will influence strategic direction while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence, service quality and continuous improvement Justice Services - Health & Social Care Partnership.  

We are looking for a confident and inspiring leader who shares our commitment to social justice, early intervention and collaborative working. You will bring experience of leading complex services, developing high-performing teams and building effective partnerships that improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

In return, you will join an organisation that values innovation, professional development and inclusive leadership. You will have the opportunity to shape policy, influence practice locally and nationally, and work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to delivering excellent services that make a real difference.

Why West Lothian?

West Lothian is recognised for its strong partnership approach and commitment to delivering high-quality public services. As Group Manager, you will play a leading role in advancing our vision of communities that are safer, more inclusive and better connected, ensuring that justice services contribute positively to wider social policy objectives including reducing inequalities, supporting wellbeing and promoting community resilience.

If you are a strategic leader with the ambition to influence change, improve outcomes and inspire others, we would welcome your application.

You will have responsibility for operational aspects of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), Managing PMAP Panels under the PREVENT remit and for overseeing the lead officer role for Community Justice working across the Community Justice Partnership. You will represent the service at local and national levels, contributing to relevant organisational, sectoral and national working groups. You will bring vision and ambition to the service, driving innovation and continuous improvement.

You will be an experienced social work manager with a strong track record of leading complex services and multi-disciplinary teams. You will have a deep understanding of public protection and partnership working, alongside the ability to balance strategic leadership with operational oversight.

You will:

• Ensure robust financial management and governance, delivering best value
• Foster strong communication and engagement, enabling meaningful participation from service users, staff, partners and communities.
• Lead, support and inspire managers and staff through change and service development.
• Demonstrate resilience and professional confidence when working with individuals who have committed violent and sexual offences.

Essential requirements:

• BA in Social Work or another recognised and approved social work qualification.
• Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
• Experience of working within justice or related statutory services
• Willingness and ability to undertake Regulated Work with children and protected adults, with a current PVG covering both groups.

Desirable:

• Experience in the use of risk assessment tools including LSCMI, RoSH, SARA, SA07 and RM2000
• Strong understanding of national justice priorities, public protection and community justice arrangement

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

This is an opportunity to lead a highly skilled service at a time of significant challenge and opportunity within justice social work. You will be supported to influence practice, policy and partnerships, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and the safety of our communities.

This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date. If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate.

The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3-month period by repayment schedule. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.

To arrange an informal discussion please contact Scott McDonald, Senior Manager via email: scott.mcdonald@westlothian.gov.uk