Job Description
Social Worker Youth Justice Service (YPT)
Permanent PositionSalary: Up to £44,093 per annumPay Band L | SCP 3233Location: A Merseyside Local Authority
A Merseyside Local Authority is seeking an experienced and qualified Social Worker to join our Youth Justice Service (YPT) on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner with a passion for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people involved in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system.
Applicants must have a minimum of 2.5 years post-qualifying experience, specific to youth justice, safeguarding, or statutory childrens services.
About the Role
Under the supervision of a Social Care Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the safeguarding needs of children, young people and their families are assessed and responded to in a timely, effective, and child-centred manner. All duties will be carried out in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies and procedures.
You will manage a complex and varied caseload, undertake assessments, complete direct work with children and young people, and contribute to multi-agency planning within the Youth Justice framework.
Key Responsibilities
* Promote the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and their families within a Merseyside Local Authority
* Carry out timely and robust assessments in accordance with the Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families and Working Together guidance
* Ensure children, young people, families, and partner agencies are actively involved in assessments and care planning
* Undertake direct, child-centred work with children and young people
* Manage a complex and varied caseload within the Youth Justice Service
* Prepare and implement care plans that reflect the views and wishes of children and young people
* Maintain high-quality case records and produce reports in line with service guidance and national standards
* Practice in accordance with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS)
* Work in an anti-oppressive manner and ensure this is reflected in practice and recording
* Support Newly Qualified Social Workers through the ASYE programme as an Assessor where required
* Participate in service development, training, and continuous professional development to meet HCPC standards
* Comply with all council financial regulations, health and safety requirements, data protection, and information security policies
Essential Requirements
* Social Work qualification and registration with the relevant professional body
* Minimum of 2.5 years post-qualifying experience, relevant to Youth Justice or statutory childrens services
* Strong assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills
* Experience of managing complex cases and working within multi-agency settings
* Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and anti-oppressive practice
Our Benefits Package
A Merseyside Local Authority offers a competitive salary and a generous, flexible benefits package designed to support your financial wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional development.
Financial Benefits
* Competitive salary with annual incremental progression
* Nationally negotiated annual pay awards
* Car mileage payments and free car parking
* Salary sacrifice schemes including:
o Hybrid and electric vehicle leasing
o Home goods and electricals
* Financial wellbeing support, including affordable borrowing
* 24-hour financial advice via Employee Assistance Programme
* Transparent pay structures so you know how your salary will progress
Pension
* Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) a defined benefit pension
* Pension based on salary and length of service, with a guaranteed income for life
* Inflation-protected pensions linked to CPI
* Employer contributions typically 1420%
* Ill-health retirement and death-in-service benefits (3x salary lump sum plus survivor pensions)
* Option for early retirement from age 55 (with reductions)
* Opportunities to top up pension contributions through salary sacrifice
Wellbeing & WorkLife Balance
* 36-hour full-time working week
* Generous annual leave:
o Up to 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, rising to 36 days with long service
o Additional two concessionary days over the festive period
* Option to buy additional annual leave
* Flexible and hybrid working options (role dependent)
* Cycle-to-work scheme and active travel support
* Free flu jab and free eye tests
* Occupational health services and workplace adjustments
* 24-hour health and wellbeing support, including counselling
* Access to health programmes such as weight management and smoking cessation
* Strong Trade Union representation (Unison, GMB, Unite)
Discounts
* High-street, dining, leisure, cinema, travel, and holiday discounts
* Discounted gym memberships
* Reduced-cost travel passes
* Mobile phone provider discounts
Family & Carers Support
* Enhanced maternity pay
* Paternity leave and shared parental leave
* Family-friendly policies supporting adoption, fostering, fertility treatment, and caring responsibilities
* Unpaid emergency leave
* Carers passports to support worklife balance
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a supportive, forward-thinking Youth Justice Service where your experience is valued, your development is supported, and your work makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people.
Apply today to be part of a Merseyside Local Authority committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and professional excellence.
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