Job Description Are you ready to take the next step in your career while making a real difference in young lives? This is a unique opportunity to join a dedicated and experienced Youth Offending Service team in a senior role that blends leadership with frontline impact. You’ll support staff development, deputise for the Practice Manager, and continue working directly with complex and high-needs children. With a balanced and varied workload, you’ll play a key role in complex court proceedings and represent the service in legal settings. Guided by child-first principles, our mission is to divert young people from the criminal justice system and support those already involved—making this a truly rewarding position. This is a dynamic role combining frontline practice with leadership development. As Senior Practitioner, you’ll support complex children across the county, contribute to high-risk casework, and represent the service in court. You’ll help shape a learning culture, provide specialist input, and deputise for the Practice Manager. Working within a trauma-informed, child-first framework, you’ll collaborate with multi-agency partners to ensure children are safeguarded, supported, and empowered to make positive change—while meeting national standards and performance targets. We Are Looking For Candidates Who Hold a relevant RQF Level 5 qualification (e.g. Social Work, Youth Justice, Probation) Can demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing professional development Has substantial experience of direct work with young people, including assessment, intervention planning, and managing complex situations Has communication, analytical, and organisational skills Will be able to confidently engage with diverse audiences, including children, families, and multi-agency partners Have a sound understanding of youth justice legislation, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice is essential, alongside the ability to lead, train others, and use technology effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment To apply for this role please click the 'apply now' button and complete the online application form in full. The recruitment process includes an initial shortlisting stage, followed by a formal interview and task for selected applicants. References will be requested and considered for the successful candidate. Please note that this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for both adults and children, in line with safeguarding requirements. Please Download The Job Description & Person Specification. Interviews will be held at the YJS office, Hampden park, Eastbourne on 17 July. This is a rare opportunity to shape practice, influence outcomes, and lead change—while staying connected to the frontline work that makes a real difference in the lives of children. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page. For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Jay Hutchinson, Practice manager at jay.hutchinson@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call. For work that makes a difference About Us Additional Information This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad. Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.