3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Youth Offending Team Officer plays a pivotal role within the Children’s Services, forming part of a multi-agency Youth Offending Service established under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
• The primary aim of the role is to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people through the assessment, planning and delivery of effective interventions.
• Working closely with social care, education, health, police, and other statutory and voluntary partners, the officer ensures that young people are held accountable for their actions while being supported to make positive changes.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Supervise and manage statutory court orders, ensuring compliance and taking enforcement action where necessary.
• Prepare high-quality court reports, including pre-sentence and referral order reports, in accordance with national standards.
• Represent the Youth Offending Service in various courts, including Youth and Crown Courts, and at weekend or Bank Holiday sittings as required.
• Provide intervention and support for young people in custody or on remand, including planning for release and community resettlement.
• Attend police interviews as an Appropriate Adult and participate in office duty rotas.
• Conduct in-depth assessments of offending behaviour using tools such as ASSET/ASSETPlus to assess risk, vulnerability, and strengths.
• Develop and implement tailored intervention and risk management plans that address offending behaviour and promote desistance.
• Facilitate restorative justice interventions between young people and victims.
• Undertake direct work with young people and families through home visits and community-based meetings.
• Liaise and collaborate effectively with a wide range of professionals to ensure multi-agency involvement in supporting young people.
• Maintain accurate and timely records on the electronic case management system.
• Promote equality, safeguarding, and the welfare of children and young people in all aspects of work.
• Participate in quality assurance processes, supervision, performance appraisals and continuous professional development.
• Adhere to statutory guidance, safeguarding procedures, and relevant health and safety policies.
Skills/Experience:
• Proven experience working directly with challenging, hard-to-engage young people, particularly within the youth justice or criminal justice system.
• Strong understanding of the causes of youth offending, safeguarding frameworks, and risk assessment processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare structured reports and communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Experience of working within a statutory framework, including court processes and national standards for youth justice.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a caseload and coordinate complex multi-agency plans.
• Competent in using case management systems and IT software to maintain accurate records and contribute to data collection.
• Resilience under pressure, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Children Act 2004, and the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
• Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 15/08/2025 @14:00.
• A recognised professional qualification in social work, youth and community work, probation, health, education or a relevant degree with significant youth justice experience.
• Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.