2 - 3 Month Contract With A local Authority
Role Purpose
The Youth Justice Officer will work with children who are involved in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system. The role focuses on assessment, intervention, safeguarding, and partnership working to reduce reoffending and support positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.
The post holder will deliver evidence-based interventions, manage a caseload, and work within Child-First principles, ensuring children’s welfare, strengths, and developmental needs remain central to practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of children involved in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system.
* Complete comprehensive assessments of risk, safety, needs, and strengths.
* Develop SMART intervention plans in collaboration with children, families, and partner agencies.
* Maintain accurate and timely case records and update ChildView promptly.
* Deliver 1:1 and family-based interventions across homes, schools, community settings, and office environments.
* Supervise children in accordance with National Standards for Youth Justice.
* Monitor compliance with statutory orders and take enforcement action where necessary.
* Attend Youth Court, supporting children throughout the court process.
* Prepare and present written and verbal reports to the court.
* Manage out-of-court disposals, complete triage assessments, and deliver diversion interventions.
* Work collaboratively with key partners including Police, Children’s Social Care, Health, and Education services.
* Participate in safeguarding and multi-agency risk management processes.
* Contribute to coordinated plans that address the complex needs of children and families.
* Support restorative justice approaches.
* Ensure victims’ perspectives and voices are represented in youth justice processes where appropriate.
* Work in line with Child-First principles, youth justice legislation, and local policies and procedures.
* Promote safeguarding, wellbeing, and positive development for children in the youth justice system.
Requirements
* Relevant professional qualification or degree in Criminology, Social Work, Youth Justice, Psychology, Social Care, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
* Evidence of continued professional development in youth justice, safeguarding, or related practice.
* Experience working with children or young people involved in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system.
* Experience managing a complex caseload and delivering structured interventions.
* Experience completing risk and needs assessments and developing intervention plans.
* Experience working with vulnerable children, families, and multi-agency partners.
* Experience preparing reports for court or statutory panels is desirable
Additional Information
* Bi-Weekly Payments
* hybrid Working
* 37 working Hours Per Week