34 Early years jobs

JOIN SHIFT

SHiFT exists to break the destructive cycles that draw children and young people into crime and harm. We work alongside children and young adults up to age 25 whose circumstances are becoming more difficult, not better, and who can benefit most from an intensive, consistent and therapeutic relationship.

We partner with public services to create new ways of working that improve outcomes for children, families and communities while helping systems change from within.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the SHiFT movement as Regional Development Lead for the North, supporting SHiFT's existing Practices in Manchester and Middlesbrough and regional programmes in Tees and Greater Manchester.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The role will involve ensuring and overseeing Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) for both programmes, holding close knowledge of every child's story, driving the learning-practice loop, and supporting Guides and Lead Guides to embed SHiFT's practice model in the context of children at risk of being remanded into custody.

You will spend a large proportion of your time in the Practices, working closely with the Lead Guide to ensure high-quality, child-centred practice, provide targeted training and facilitate reflective spaces and Child and Family Practice Discussions.

You will work closely with stakeholders and partner agencies, building connections and influencing changes required to meet programme objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Practice Quality Assurance and Oversight: Hold detailed, current knowledge of each child's story and the Guide's work with them across both the Tees and GM programmes.

• Child and Family Practice Discussions: Facilitate or co-facilitate weekly discussions across the Tees and GM programmes using systemic approaches.

• Remand Programme Support: Support the development of the ISS+ model for the Tees remand context and help Guides navigate court processes, bail applications and remand decision-making.

• Learning, Evaluation and Influence: Coordinate programme data collection, contribute to national evaluation returns and capture practice learning and case studies.

• Stakeholder and Partnership Work: Build and sustain trusted working relationships with YJS Managers, courts, police, placement providers, education, health and community partners across Tees and GM.

The role will require travel around both the North and South of England where required, including attendance at SHiFT National team days, training and events.

About you

We especially welcome applicants with experience or knowledge of systemic practice, youth justice, remand, and/or fostering. Knowledge of and location in the North East or Greater Manchester context is desirable.

This is a social work qualified role. Professional social work registration with Social Work England is essential.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a covering letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) addressed to Hilary Dixon, Director of Practice and Learning, and a CV with details of two referees by 09:00 am on 16th November.

Please mark your application 'RDL North'. We will not take up references without your permission. Please include your current notice period.

There will be two rounds of interviews: a virtual staff panel, followed by a face-to-face interview with SHiFT and partners. Dates to be confirmed.

If you have any questions about the role before applying, please contact Carla Morris, Head.

Read more about SHiFT’s work. Listen to interviews with SHiFT Guides and the families and young people they are working with in Greater Manchester here on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Read more about the SHiFT model.