We are seeking a skilled and motivated Advanced Youth Offending Service Officer (Social Care Qualified) to deliver high‑quality, child‑centred youth justice services. This role is essential in supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes, reduce offending behaviour, and build safer futures through effective assessment, intervention, and partnership working.
Youth Justice Case Management
* Manage a diverse caseload of out‑of‑court disposals and statutory court orders in line with national guidance and local procedures.
* Use AssetPlus to undertake holistic assessments, planning and intervention, with emphasis on trauma‑informed practice, risk management and desistance.
* Provide structured support to help children and young people complete orders successfully and reduce the likelihood of offending or re‑offending.
* Ensure all work reflects equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
Intervention & Support
* Deliver evidence‑based, age‑appropriate interventions – individually or in group settings – aimed at reducing risk, promoting engagement, and improving life chances.
* Work collaboratively with children and young people, their families, and multi‑agency partners to address needs related to education, employment, training, welfare and wellbeing.
* Promote safety and wellbeing through appropriate safeguarding, risk management and contingency planning.
Court Work & Professional Reporting
* Prepare clear, analytical Pre‑Sentence Reports, Stand‑Down Reports and Referral Order Panel Reports, providing recommendations based on robust assessments.
* Represent the service in court, presenting information professionally and responding to judicial enquiries with confidence and accuracy.
* Attend panels, multi‑disciplinary meetings and relevant forums to provide expert youth justice input.
Partnership Working
* Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners including social care, education providers, police, health services, voluntary organisations and community partners.
* Coordinate inter‑agency communication to secure the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
* Support information sharing and collaborative planning to manage risk and enhance engagement.
Safeguarding & Public Protection
* Identify, assess and manage risks to the child or young person and risks posed to others.
* Implement intervention plans that promote safety, wellbeing and positive behaviour.
* Escalate safeguarding concerns promptly and follow statutory and organisational safeguarding procedures.
People
* Build positive, trusting relationships with children, young people and families.
* Offer guidance, motivation and professional challenge where needed.
* Promote inclusion, respect and a child‑centred approach across all work.
Financial
* No direct budget responsibilities but contribute to cost‑effective service delivery through efficient case management.
Strategic
* Support the delivery of youth justice priorities and contribute to local strategies aimed at reducing offending and promoting safer communities.
* Assist senior colleagues with service improvements and the development of innovative interventions.
Resources
* Maintain timely, accurate case records in line with data quality standards and information governance requirements.
* Use case management systems and assessment tools effectively to support high‑quality practice.
Planning & Organising
* Manage a varied and sometimes complex caseload, balancing risk, need and statutory deadlines.
* Prioritise work effectively and respond flexibly to emerging issues and court requirements.
* Maintain strong organisational skills in a fast‑paced environment.
Decision Making
* Exercise professional judgement in assessments, risk management and intervention planning.
* Make informed decisions within statutory frameworks and escalates complex matters appropriately.
* Provide professional recommendations in court reports and panel submissions.
Qualifications
* Qualified social worker (or equivalent recognised social care qualification).
* Experience working with children and young people within youth justice, social care or a related safeguarding field.
* Strong understanding of youth justice legislation, National Standards and best practice frameworks.
* Skilled in completing structured assessments, managing risk and delivering tailored interventions.
* Experience preparing clear, analytical and evidence‑based reports for courts or formal panels.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build rapport and work with challenging or vulnerable young people.
* Ability to work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners.
* Commitment to trauma‑informed, child‑centred practice.
* Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise a demanding caseload.
Desirable
* Experience using AssetPlus or other structured assessment frameworks.
* Training in restorative approaches, motivational interviewing or other evidence‑based intervention models.
* Knowledge of education pathways, safeguarding protocols and risk management models.
* Ability to travel efficiently within the local area for home visits, meetings and court attendance.
* Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends to meet service requirements.
* Adherence to organisational safeguarding, conduct and confidentiality standards.
* Proof of Right to Work in the UK.
* Valid professional registration (where applicable).
* Enhanced DBS check.
* Satisfactory employment references.
* Compliance with confidentiality, GDPR and safeguarding protocols.
* Completion of mandatory training and induction requirements.
Benefits
* Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.
* Work within a skilled, supportive and multi‑disciplinary youth justice service.
* Opportunity to develop specialist practice and advance professionally.
* Contribute directly to safer communities and better outcomes for young people.
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