Job Title: Sessional Youth Justice Worker
Salary: C1 (pro rata) £28,598 - £31,022
Hours: As and when required (typically 2‑4 hrs per week) including evenings and weekends
Contract: Sessional
Location: Leeds (various community locations)
Overview
As a Sessional Youth Justice Worker, you’ll support children known to Leeds Youth Justice Service as they complete restorative, reparative and positive activities. You’ll build confidence, promote responsibility and help children engage positively within their communities. This role suits people who enjoy direct work with children, believe in second chances and want to contribute to safer, stronger communities.
About You
* Ability to build positive relationships with children individually and in groups.
* Confidence in assessing safeguarding, risk and vulnerability.
* A restorative, anti‑oppressive approach that promotes fairness and participation.
* Strong communication, organisation and basic IT skills.
* A current driving licence and physical ability to work alongside children in community settings.
About the Role
In this role, you’ll support children aged 10–18 as they complete reparation, community work and structured activities agreed within their supervision plans. You’ll encourage responsibility, build on children’s strengths and help them engage more positively in their communities.
You’ll work closely with YJS staff, families, volunteers, victims of crime and partner agencies, using a restorative and child‑centred approach. The role forms an important part of our Restorative Justice Hub, contributing to safer communities and better outcomes for children.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary.
* Flexible sessional working arrangements.
* Access to training, development and restorative practice learning.
* Staff benefits to support wellbeing and finances.
Responsibilities
* Provide supervision for and positively engage with young people known to the YJS both in small groups and as individuals.
* Support young people in completing other restorative justice aspects of their supervision plan.
* Work in a positive and anti‑oppressive manner, promoting equality and addressing diversity issues.
* Share practical skills and expertise to ensure tasks are completed to an appropriate quality.
* Work in a restorative manner with young people and their families, with high challenge and high support.
* Assess risk in relation to safeguarding and risk of harm to others and feed this information into formal YJS assessment processes.
* Maintain accurate and timely administrative systems; provide all information necessary for statistical and monitoring purposes.
* Transport young people where appropriate to activity locations.
* Ensure compliance with Leeds City Council’s health & safety, safeguarding and information sharing procedures.
* Participate in training and development activities as necessary.
* Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Youth Justice Service.
* Comply with all Leeds City Council and Departmental policies, procedures and staff instructions.
Relationship
Sessional workers work with Youth Justice Service staff, victims of crime, volunteers, community groups, parents and individuals from other agencies.
Qualifications
None.
Conditions
Subject to a higher level check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Applicants must disclose all convictions and cautions as required by the Local Authority Social Services Act.
Personal Specification – Essential Requirements
* Engage and establish constructive relationships with young people.
* Make basic assessments regarding risk of harm, health and safety, vulnerability and safeguarding.
* Engage with members of the community positively.
* Challenge discrimination, prejudice and oppressive behaviour.
* Work restoratively with young people and their families.
* Motivate others with a positive outlook.
* Communicate clearly and accurately in person and in writing; competent in the use of computers and excellent organisational skills.
* Physical fitness sufficient for working alongside young people in community activities.
* Current driving licence and use of a vehicle.
Knowledge Required
* Understanding of children’s rights and child‑friendly city principles.
* Understanding of disadvantaged groups and why some people offend.
* Understanding of victims’ perspective, restorative approaches and public confidence issues.
* Understanding of health and safety, safeguarding and risk assessment.
Experience Required
* Working with children and young people.
Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics
* Committed to continuous improvement.
* Understand and observe the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
* Carry out all duties with regard to Health & Safety policies.
* Willingness to participate in training and development activities.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage diversity: women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
Role is based in the UK; right to work evidence required.
#J-18808-Ljbffr