Job Overview
Youth Justice Service Early Help practitioner – Permanent, Full Time – Salary: £38,487 to £51,834 per annum – Location: Epping – Working style: Fixed‑base worker – Closing date: 19th June 2026. The role is based in West Essex, working with a caseload that spans West Essex and occasionally other localities across Essex. The consultant is part of the Early Help team, supporting children and families to prevent escalation of their mental‑health needs and reduce their risk of entering the formal youth justice system.
Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload and undertake individual and/or family work with children or young people on the cusp of entering the criminal justice system.
* Conduct high‑quality assessments of young people and co‑produce comprehensive intervention plans, including input from children and liaising with partner agencies to address underlying needs.
* Deliver evidence‑based interventions (systemic practice, Signs of Safety, Motivational Interviewing, and child development theory) to support families in building strengths and achieving positive change.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, particularly schools, and act as the local source of expertise on YJS Early Help.
* Ensure that the voices and views of children and young people are sought, heard and represented appropriately throughout the intervention and used to inform service delivery.
* Maintain accurate, comprehensive and up‑to‑date case records and share information in accordance with local and national guidance and policy.
* Meet specific individual and shared targets and objectives set annually within the performance management framework.
Qualifications and Experience
* Degree level education or equivalent with a recognised social work qualification (diploma, degree or masters in social work, CWSW, CSS or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker, or a minimum of 2.5 years working in the field of youth justice.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
* Experience working in a multi‑agency environment with excellent engagement skills and demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, partner agencies and service users.
* Knowledge and understanding of health and safety, safeguarding of children and young people.
* Clear understanding of early‑help services, principles and values, and evidence‑based problem‑solving interventions for children, young people and families.
* Proven ability to use assessment frameworks and tools to produce sound, evidence‑based assessments of need, strengths and risk, and to co‑produce with families individualized support plans.
* Practical knowledge of criminogenic factors that influence offending behaviour in young people.
Other Requirements
The role requires a valid driving licence and the ability to travel extensively throughout Essex and beyond, including the transport of service users and their belongings. Candidates must be able to mobilise quickly in emergency situations.
Benefits
Competitive salary of £38,487 to £51,834 per annum, support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate carers' needs. The role includes other standard employment benefits available through Essex County Council.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are a Disability Confident Leader and committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements. We also interview veterans and care leavers who meet the role requirements. Essex County Council welcomes and encourages applications from all members of the community.
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