Transitions Officer - Youth Justice ServiceCouncil

Reading Borough Council is looking for a committed and skilled professional to join our Youth Justice Service as a Transitions Officer, supporting older adolescents and young adults as they move from youth justice services into adulthood. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in helping some of Reading's most vulnerable young people navigate significant life transitions and achieve positive outcomes. 

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. 

About the role  

As a Transitions Officer, you will support children and young people aged 17 and above as they transition from Youth Justice Services into adult services, including Probation supervision. You will work closely with young people both in the community and in custody, ensuring effective planning and support throughout their journey into adulthood.  

You will manage a varied caseload, including young people subject to Court Orders, Out of Court Disposals and custodial sentences. Working within a multi-agency environment, you will build strong relationships with partners across Probation, Children's Services, Housing, Health, Education and Adult Services to deliver coordinated support that reduces reoffending and promotes successful transitions. 

What you'll do 

• Manage a caseload of children and young people subject to Youth Justice interventions, including those with complex needs.   

• Lead on transitions from Youth Justice Services to Probation and adult services. 

• Develop high-quality transition plans that address housing, health, education, employment and social care needs.  

• Complete assessments, intervention plans and risk management activities using recognised Youth Justice frameworks.  

• Prepare high-quality reports for Court, MAPPA, sentencing and other statutory purposes.  

• Act as the service's lead practitioner for MAPPA and public protection matters.  

• Support young people in custody, including post-release planning and supervision.  

• Work closely with Probation colleagues and maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and practice developments. 

• Represent the Youth Justice Service at Court, multi-agency meetings and partnership forums. 

• Build effective relationships with children's and adults' services, education, health, police and community partners 

About you 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for young people and confident working with vulnerable adolescents who may present complex risks and needs. 

You will have: 

• A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject area. 

• Significant experience of working with young people and supporting positive change.  

• Experience of delivering evidence-based interventions that reduce reoffending and support positive identity development. 

• Experience working with partner agencies across criminal justice, education, health and social care.  

• Knowledge of youth and adult criminal justice systems and transition processes.  

• Strong assessment, risk management and report-writing skills.  

• Excellent communication skills and confidence presenting within Courts and multi-agency settings. 

• The ability to engage effectively with vulnerable young people and build trusted relationships.  

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. 

• A commitment to Child First principles and helping young people achieve better futures.   

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.  
 
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: 

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do 

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential 

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way 

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed 

Our offer 

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. 

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: 

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave 

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities  

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading 

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) 

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) 

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted 

• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work 

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax 

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact [email protected]  

Closing Date: Friday 6th November 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed

Position type: Full time