Birmingham Youth Justice Service is in the middle of an exciting and extensive modernisation programme with a clear goal to become the sector leading youth justice service. We are creating a progressive, creative, energetic and inspiring service that is best equipped to understand and reduce offending behaviour amongst children and we are looking for the right people to help us to achieve this. An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right individuals to join Birmingham Youth Justice Service as a Court Officer. You must have excellent communication, advocacy, and assessment skills supported by a good understanding of the YJS Court Officer role to work in this specialist arena. You must have experience of working in a multi‑agency setting with children and young people involved in the Criminal Justice System and knowledge of criminal legislation including bail and remand as it affects youths. The ability to work on your own initiative is essential. You must have experience of preparing formal reports, carrying out safeguarding assessments, evaluating risk, and dealing with safeguarding issues. You'll have the experience and awareness of the underlying issues that contribute to children and young people’s offending behaviour and will want to achieve the best outcomes for them, their family, their victims and the community.
Core Responsibilities
* To work as part of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) Court Team servicing Birmingham Youth, Magistrates and Crown Court to fulfil the statutory requirements placed on the Youth Justice Service by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and any proceeding legislation.
* Working in partnership with the Criminal Justice Agencies and the Judiciary, influencing remand and sentencing decisions, particularly in reducing the use of remands to youth detention.
* Undertaking assessments including safeguarding and vulnerability to determine the appropriateness of placements in respect of children and young people entering the secure estate and delivering these services in line with the expectations of the Youth Justice Board.
* Ensuring that the appropriate action is taken by the Court Team after each Court session to meet the requirements of the bench upon the Youth Justice Service or its statutory partners. This involves the maintenance of clear, concise written records, and updating the Youth Justice Service electronic database and Youth Justice Service E‑records.
* Liaison with other agencies involved in the court process, including the presentation and dissemination of Youth Justice Service information, formal reports and interventions to Judges and Magistrates.
* Production of placement information and post‑custody reports within the asset plus framework as required by the Youth Justice Board.
As part of our onboarding process, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a series of background checks with Experian, including Experian Right to Work and Digital ID verification. These are essential pre‑employment requirements.
Key Skills and Experience
* Experience of work within the Criminal Justice setting with children, including the application of risk.
* Ability to produce high‑quality court reports.
* Knowledge and understanding of the bail and remand process as it relates to children.
* Ability to coordinate the assessments of children regarding public protection, prevention of offending, risk and safeguarding.
Additional Work Information
* This is an office role based in Birmingham City Centre, so you must reside within a suitable commutable distance around Birmingham and have the correct right‑to‑work documents to work in the UK.
* You will be required to work on Bank Holidays and Saturdays on a rota basis.
* We do not support those who require sponsorship.
* Selected candidates will be chosen following a successful application, interview and a performance on a presentation task.
We are committed to using our resources wisely, ensuring that every penny is spent where it counts the most. We foster collaboration among schools, health professionals, and the police, working together to create a supportive network for our young people. We believe that when we work as one cohesive team, the children and young people of Birmingham are more likely to thrive. Our unified approach ensures that we provide the best possible support and opportunities for their growth and development.
Safeguarding – at Birmingham Children’s Trust we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Depending on the role, you may be asked to undergo the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your suitability for working with children and young people. The level of check (Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List) is determined based on the specific responsibilities of the role and the level of contact with children and young people. We are committed to the fair treatment of all applicants, including those with criminal records. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an individual from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offence.
Please note that we reserve the right to close the job early should we reach the required number of applications, therefore please ensure you submit your application and supporting statement early to avoid any disappointment.
Benefits
* A generous annual leave package of 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 5 years of service and 35 days after 10 years of service.
* Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme – the chance to drive a brand‑new car for an affordable fixed monthly amount as part of a salary sacrifice initiative. With no deposits or credit checks required, a range of all‑inclusive driving packages.
* Free on‑site parking at our offices on One Avenue Road (Aston) and Lifford House (Stirchley). We also provide onsite electric car charging ports which are free to use.
* You will receive a generous local government career average pension scheme in line with the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Continuous Service Recognition – Thank You employee badge when first joining the Trust. Plus, Years of Service badge awarded for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35+ years of service.
* Full access to our remarkable internal employee benefits scheme including Occupational Health services, Rewards Schemes, Benefits discounts (including the Blue Light Card), Health & Fitness and Personal Wellbeing support and much more.
* Impactful Work – be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable children.
* Supportive Environment – enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture where your contributions are valued.
* Career Development – benefit from tailored development programmes, supportive supervision, and a range of learning opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
* Generous Benefits – take advantage of our competitive reward package including generous leave allowance, Local Government pension scheme, and additional benefits.
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